Option chain shows key data for IAR Systems Group's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for IAR Systems Group.

IAR Systems Group (OTC:IARGF) Stock, Option Chain

IAR Systems Group AB provides software for the programming processors in embedded systems. The company's customers mainly operate in industrial automation, medical technology, IOT, consumer electronics, and automotive industries that develop products based on 8-, 16, 32-bit processors. Its flagship product is IAR embedded workbench. Geographically, it derives a majority of revenue from the Americas and also has a presence in Asia, EMEA, and the Nordic region.

I A R SYSTEMS GRP AB NEW by I A R Systems Group AB

IAR Systems Group AB

Electric vehicles consume more energy during cold temperatures, mandating certain practices to ensure an ideal driver experience when the mercury drops. 
Below are a few tips for your Tesla Inc. EV this winter:
Leave Your Tesla Plugged In Whenever Possible:
Energy-intensive features like cabin and battery preconditioning rely on the charging power source instead of the EV battery when it is plugged in. Plugging in your vehicle will ensure you can use the battery to drive once you unplug it.
Preheat Battery Before Charging:
Preheating your battery will help maximize charging speed once you plug in. Cold batteries slow down the charging process.
Use Navigation To Get To A Supercharger:
When you use navigation to get to a supercharger, the vehicle automatically pre-heats the battery to maximize charging speed.
Do Not Let The Charge Drop Below 20%:
Keeping your vehicle charge over 20% will help reduce the impact of cold temperatures. Once the vehicle&#8217;s charge drops below 20%, it cannot warm the cabin or battery.
Park To Avoid Freezing:
Parking your vehicle inside a garage will help the vehicle to not get too cold, thereby avoiding the chances of door handles, windows, mirrors, and wipers freezing into place and mandating the use of heat to unfreeze them.
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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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42668333/tesla-model-x-lucid-gravity-or-rivian-r1s-which-three-row-electric-suv-is-a-better-buy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Model X, Lucid Gravity Or Rivian R1S: Which Three-Row Electric SUV Is A Better Buy?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Tesla

News

Tech

TSLA

5 Tips For Your Tesla This Winter

JNVR

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLNE#NASDAQ">HLNE</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 7.44% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 20.52%. Currently, Hamilton Lane has a market capitalization of $6.33 billion. 
Buying $100 In HLNE: If an investor had bought $100 of HLNE stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $250.39 today based on a price of $151.55 for HLNE at the time of writing.
<h3>Hamilton Lane's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735343108_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

HLNE

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42639340/bernie-sanders-is-all-for-canada-becoming-the-51st-state-if-the-u-s-will-also-adopt-universal-healthcare">Universal healthcare</a> has been debated in the United States for decades. A study from Yale University after the pandemic sheds light on its potential impact, the costs and benefits of adopting it and the lives it could have saved.&nbsp;
According to the study published by Yale researchers, more than 335,000 lives could have been saved from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through March 2022 if the U.S. had a universal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40150567/charlie-munger-called-healthcare-industry-deeply-immoral-and-a-disgrace-claiming-providers-artif">single-payer healthcare system</a>. In 2020 alone, during the height of the pandemic, the study reported that 212,000 deaths could have been prevented.&nbsp;
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</ul>
The study also revealed the potential economic benefits of a universal system like Medicare for All. In 2020, it could have saved the U.S. about $105 billion in COVID-19-related hospitalization costs. Beyond the pandemic, researchers estimate that universal healthcare could reduce national healthcare expenses by $438 billion annually during a typical year.&nbsp;
The Yale study determined the following factors would contribute to this potential cost savings:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Better access to preventive care: Catching and managing chronic conditions earlier would allow patients to avoid costly emergency treatments.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Lower administrative overhead: Single-payer systems streamline billing and reduce bureaucracy, saving billions.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Price negotiations: Giving <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41852616/doctors-3-medicare-pay-cut-could-it-lead-to-fewer-providers-accepting-medicare-patients">Medicare</a> more control over negotiating drug and service prices could lower costs.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Alison Galvani, Ph.D., director of Yale's Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis and lead author of the study, said, "Americans are needlessly losing lives and money. Medicare for All would be an economic stimulus and life-saving transformation of our health care system."
See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
While the Yale study covered many potential benefits of universal healthcare for the U.S., transitioning to this system would have challenges. An article published by the National Library of Medicine outlined some of these challenges:
<ul>
<li>Implementing universal healthcare would require substantial upfront costs as the current healthcare infrastructure must undergo complete reform.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Funding universal healthcare would likely require higher taxes. Past proposals for this system have included increases in payroll and income taxes.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The U.S. would have several logistical hurdles to overcome, including significant regional disparities that would make ensuring an equitable system difficult.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
The U.S. spends more on health care per capita than other high-income countries. However, according to the Commonwealth Fund, it still lags behind nations with universal healthcare in key areas like life expectancy and preventable mortality rates.&nbsp;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a></a>
Those in favor of universal healthcare argue that it would address these issues and provide coverage to millions of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42491306/is-u-s-health-insurance-failing-the-sickest-and-poorest-new-study-reveals-49-million-americans-lack-proper-health-coverage">uninsured Americans</a>, reducing disparities in access to care. Critics, however, state that universal systems in other countries often face challenges like longer wait times and limitations on elective procedures. They are also concerned about the strain the upfront costs could have on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41564246/from-10-trillion-to-35-trillion-how-government-spending-has-spiraled-out-of-control">federal budget</a>.&nbsp;
The debate over universal healthcare in the U.S. is far from simple. The Yale study and others like it discuss the potential savings of lives and healthcare expenses for the average American. Implementing a system like this in the United States would take a lot of effort, including tackling financial, logistical and political barriers.&nbsp;
Whether universal healthcare is in the United States' future remains to be seen. For Americans concerned about the state of health care, these findings provide further context to understand what reform would take.&nbsp;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

$438 Billion In Savings and 335,000 Lives: What It Would Cost The U.S. To Implement Universal Health Care

Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 5.96% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.18%. Currently, Booz Allen Hamilton has a market capitalization of $16.57 billion. 
Buying $100 In BAH: If an investor had bought $100 of BAH stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $488.69 today based on a price of $129.65 for BAH at the time of writing.
<h3>Booz Allen Hamilton's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735342207_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In Booz Allen Hamilton 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

United Rentals (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/URI#NYSE">URI</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 21.22% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 32.91%. Currently, United Rentals has a market capitalization of $47.02 billion. 
Buying $100 In URI: If an investor had bought $100 of URI stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $7,136.85 today based on a price of $716.54 for URI at the time of writing.
<h3>United Rentals's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735341308_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In United Rentals 15 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSK#NASDAQ">VRSK</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 4.33% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 16.02%. Currently, Verisk Analytics has a market capitalization of $39.16 billion. 
Buying $1000 In VRSK: If an investor had bought $1000 of VRSK stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $9,289.78 today based on a price of $277.30 for VRSK at the time of writing.
<h3>Verisk Analytics's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735340408_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

VRSK

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In Verisk Analytics 15 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Adobe (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 6.35% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 18.04%. Currently, Adobe has a market capitalization of $196.54 billion. 
Buying $100 In ADBE: If an investor had bought $100 of ADBE stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $1,203.77 today based on a price of $446.48 for ADBE at the time of writing.
<h3>Adobe's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735338615_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ADBE

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 15 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Datadog (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 17.97% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 31.04%. Currently, Datadog has a market capitalization of $49.72 billion. 
Buying $1000 In DDOG: If an investor had bought $1000 of DDOG stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $3,931.86 today based on a price of $146.34 for DDOG at the time of writing.
<h3>Datadog's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735337707_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

DDOG

$1000 Invested In Datadog 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Fluor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLR#NYSE">FLR</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 8.46% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.53%. Currently, Fluor has a market capitalization of $8.59 billion. 
Buying $1000 In FLR: If an investor had bought $1000 of FLR stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,708.87 today based on a price of $50.06 for FLR at the time of writing.
<h3>Fluor's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735336808_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Fluor Stock In The Last 5 Years

The NFL aired two games on Christmas Day in 2024, a move that may have angered the NBA while also bringing in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42701434/netflixs-nfl-debut-brings-record-streams-but-lags-traditional-tv-report">impressive viewership figures.</a>
What Happened: While many sports leagues see strong viewership in the United States, the NFL has been king for years and that may have been even more evident with streaming records set Wednesday for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42695495/netflix-nfl-games-show-super-bowl-contenders-mvp-frontrunner-poll-27-watch">premiere on streaming giant</a> Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>).
Two NFL Christmas Day games featuring four teams who have made the NFL Playoffs broke records for the league with an average of 24.1 million viewers for the earlier Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers game and an average of 24.3 million viewers for the Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans game.
The <a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-nfl-christmas-gameday-reaches-65-million-us-viewers">ratings </a>beat a previous NFL streaming record of 23 million set by Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) with an exclusive game on Peacock during the previous NFL Playoffs. The figures also broke a regular-season record of 17.92 million set by the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers on Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) owned Prime Video in December, as reported by <a href="https://frontofficesports.com/nfl-netflix-debut-sets-streaming-records-as-nba-sees-84-increase/">FrontOfficeSports</a>.
Netflix said Nielsen data showed 65 million U.S. viewers watched at least one minute of the NFL games, with average viewership peaking at 27 million during Beyoncé&#8217;s halftime performance in the Ravens and Texans game.
NBA superstar LeBron James might not want to see the viewership figures and hear about the records.
After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, James declared the holiday as belonging to the NBA.
"I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day," James said.
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Can NBA and NFL Both Win?: While Christmas produced records for the NFL, the NBA also enjoyed a strong day for viewership.
The NBA aired five games on Christmas Day, which aired on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+, all units of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>).
NBA Christmas Day games averaged 5.25 million viewers, up 84% year-over-year. Helping the viewership may have been the teams involved and the fact that all five games were available on ABC, while only two were last year.
This figure is the highest for the NBA on the holiday in five years. The Lakers and Warriors game averaged 7.76 million viewers, ranking as the NBA's most-watched Christmas Day game since 2019.
For the 2024 NBA season, viewership is now down 4% year-over-year after the Christmas day games, compared to being down 18% year-over-year ahead of Wednesday.
NBA viewership on ESPN platforms is now up 4% year-over-year, as reported by <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/12/nba-christmas-day-ratings-lakers-warriors-1236242578/">Deadline</a>.
The NBA could also benefit from the Christmas Day games, with its owned NBA League Pass reporting its most-viewed Christmas Day ever.
What's Next: For the NFL, encroaching on other sports isn't exactly new and likely won't be changing anytime soon.
The NFL began Monday Night Football games in 1970 and later added Thursday Night Football games in 2006, which now stream on Prime Video.
NFL games air on Saturdays during December and January, diverging from the league&#8217;s usual avoidance of the day for most of the season due to NCAA Football and the restrictions of the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. This year, the NCAA expanded its College Football Playoffs from four to 12 teams, leading to a rare head-to-head clash with the NFL last weekend.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, the NFL had two games, and there were three College Football Playoffs games, with two airing on TNT Sports, a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>), and one airing on ABC and ESPN.
Netflix has a three-year deal with the NFL and will stream at least one game on Christmas for the next two seasons.
The increase in Christmas Day games from the NFL might come as a bit of a surprise after the league said last year it was only scheduling games on Christmas 2023 because the day fell on Monday, a traditional NFL date, as <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/lebron-james-i-love-the-nfl-but-christmas-is-the-nbas-day">reported </a>by NBC Sports.
The league said it wouldn't schedule games on Christmas if it fell on a Tuesday or Wednesday previously, according to the report, but strong viewership last year and the potential for more money may have changed the league's mind.
Netflix has more sports content coming with its WWE deal through a partnership with TKO Group Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TKO#NYSE">TKO</a>), premiering on Jan. 6.
The NBA is likely stuck with going head-to-head with the NFL on Christmas Day, regardless of what day the holiday falls on. One way for the NBA to get back at the NFL would be to start <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/11/42226470/heres-why-the-detroit-lions-dallas-cowboys-always-have-thanksgiving-day-nfl-games">scheduling games on Thanksgiving</a>, a date the league has avoided due to the NFL having three games that day.
NFLX Price Action: Netflix stock was down 1.8% to $907.55 on Friday, versus a 52-week trading range of $461.86 to $941.75.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/12/42702484/if-you-invested-1000-in-netflix-stock-when-squid-game-was-released-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">If You Invested $1,000 In Netflix Stock When &#8216;Squid Game&#8217; Was Released, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Sports

AMZN

CMCSA

NFLX

LeBron James Vs. NFL: NBA Star Declares Christmas 'Our Day,' But 2024 Ratings Disagree

Murphy USA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MUSA#NYSE">MUSA</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 20.91% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 33.99%. Currently, Murphy USA has a market capitalization of $10.23 billion. 
Buying $1000 In MUSA: If an investor had bought $1000 of MUSA stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $4,297.27 today based on a price of $505.23 for MUSA at the time of writing.
<h3>Murphy USA's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735335907_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

MUSA

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In Murphy USA 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Friday there are "early indications" that Russian air defenses may have been involved in the Azerbaijan Airlines crash on Christmas Day, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42686735/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-kills-38-weather-russia-under-scrutiny">killing 38 and injuring 29.</a>
The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/27/azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-russia/">reports</a> Kirby emphasized these findings are preliminary, as investigations into the crash remain ongoing.
What Happened: The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, diverted midflight before ultimately crashing in Kazakhstan. Kirby highlighted that the evidence extends beyond images of the damaged aircraft, though he declined to provide further details, according to WaPo.
Azerbaijani officials have also cited "external interference" as the likely cause, with initial investigations showing the wreckage bore marks consistent with an air-defense missile.
Passengers and crew reported hearing three explosions near Grozny, with cutting debris injuring those onboard. Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev confirmed that the injuries were caused by objects piercing the fuselage, The Post reports.
Azerbaijani Airlines has since suspended flights to multiple Russian cities, citing ongoing safety concerns.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42707484/exxonmobil-stock-navigates-death-cross-market-signals-turn-bearish-for-the-oil-giant">ExxonMobil Stock Navigates Death Cross: Market Signals Turn Bearish For Oil Giant</a>
Why It Matters: The suggestion of Russian involvement has amplified geopolitical tensions in a region already fraught with conflict. If confirmed, the incident would deepen mistrust between Azerbaijan and Moscow, raising broader questions about the safety of air travel in conflict zones.
The U.S. has offered to assist Azerbaijani and Kazakh officials in the investigation, underscoring the international significance of the findings.
Russian authorities initially blamed weather conditions and bird strikes but later mentioned drone activity near Grozny, which had triggered radar jamming. But survivors described an external impact according to The Post. &#8220;We felt a blow from outside,&#8221; a flight attendant said, noting the plane broke apart on impact.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42710358/veteran-investor-bets-big-on-sp-500-hitting-7000-by-end-of-2025-these-sectors-could-lead-the-charge">Veteran Investor Bets Big On S&amp;P 500 Hitting 7,000 By End Of 2025: These Sectors Could Lead The Charge</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock.com

Eurozone

Global

National Security Council's Kirby Notes Early Indications Of Russian Link In Azerbaijan Crash

In a quiet week for economic data, Wall Street&#8217;s focus shifted to the possibility of witnessing a "Santa Rally," the seasonal tendency for stocks to rise in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/12/42675763/santa-rally-serial-winners-10-stocks-historically-poised-for-big-year-end-gains">final days of December. </a>
Historically, the S&amp;P 500 has gained 64 times in the past 96 years during the Dec. 24–Dec. 31 window, averaging a 0.85% return.
The market began the week attempting a recover from the Federal Reserve's hawkish signals of fewer rate cuts in 2024. Yet, renewed volatility resurfaced on Friday, casting doubt on the Santa rally's resilience.
Investors remain cautious, as markets weigh Fed policy outlook against uncertainty surrounding the incoming Trump administration's economic plans.
Still, 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year. The S&amp;P 500 is on track to match last year's 24% surge, setting up a two-year gain of 55%, the strongest since 1999. U.S. stocks are also outperforming global markets by the widest margin since 1997, driven by the enduring strength of U.S. economic fundamentals.
On the leaderboards, Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) has surged 360%, overtaking Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), last year's top performer, which gained 175% in 2024.
Consumer Confidence Slips
U.S. consumer confidence, as measured by the Conference Board, declined in December, highlighting rising concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42657230/us-consumer-confidence-drops-in-december-expectations-signal-potential-economic-weakness-in-2025">about economic conditions</a>. A deeper drop in the expectations index, a key forward-looking measure, signals potential weakness in 2025 amid fears of persistent inflation and steady, high interest rates.
Tesla's Robotaxi Bet
Elon Musk envisions a Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&#8217;s robotaxi fleet allowing owners to earn $40,000 annually. Despite the bold prediction, experts question the feasibility of the technology and regulatory challenges, suggesting Musk's vision remains aspirational rather than immediately achievable <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42642606/elon-musk-wants-to-raise-a-tesla-fleet-expert-estimates-vehicle-owners-can-make-40kyear-but-remains-doubtful">in the near term.</a>
Trump's Tariff Impact
Goldman Sachs projects the Trump administration will raise tariffs on Chinese imports, averaging a 20% hike, with higher rates for non-consumer goods. This could increase consumer prices by 1%-2%, strain industrial margins, disrupt supply chains and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42701155/made-in-china-paid-in-america-what-trumps-new-tariffs-mean-for-the-us-economy">ignite Chinese retaliatory measures,</a> the Wall Street firm says.
Cadillac EV Success
General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>)&#8217;s Cadillac Lyriq, priced at $60,000, became its best-selling EV in 2024 through the third quarter. The premium EV's success highlights a potential shift toward luxury electric vehicles as automakers target higher <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42666472/gms-60000-cadillac-lyriq-was-its-best-selling-ev-in-2024-as-of-q3-is-premium-the-way-to-go-for-ev-makers">margins and affluent buyers.</a>
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42710358/veteran-investor-bets-big-on-sp-500-hitting-7000-by-end-of-2025-these-sectors-could-lead-the-charge">Veteran Investor Bets Big On S&amp;P 500 Hitting 7,000 By End Of 2025: These Sectors Could Lead The Charge</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Marek Maskin on Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Equities

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Econ #s

Economics

Federal Reserve

ETFs

NVDA

PLTR

Wall Street's Santa Rally At Risk, Palantir Dethrones Nvidia, Consumer Confidence Pulls Back: This Week In The Markets

Vistra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 30.38% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 43.46%. Currently, Vistra has a market capitalization of $47.52 billion. 
Buying $1000 In VST: If an investor had bought $1000 of VST stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $6,120.95 today based on a price of $139.68 for VST at the time of writing.
<h3>Vistra's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735335008_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In Vistra 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

VINC

Trading Halt: Halt status updated at 4:25:00 PM ET: Quotation Resumption: News and Resumption Times

Centene (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 5.77% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.46%. Currently, Centene has a market capitalization of $30.59 billion. 
Buying $100 In CNC: If an investor had bought $100 of CNC stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $1,117.05 today based on a price of $60.60 for CNC at the time of writing.
<h3>Centene's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735334113_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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

Management

Vincerx Implements Workforce Reduction Amid Strategic Streamlining; CEO Ahmed Hamdy Steps Down, Raquel Izumi Named Acting CEO, And Kevin Hass Takes Over As Acting CFO As Leadership Transitions Support Ongoing Strategic Efforts

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Ambow Education Holding (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMBO#AMEX">AMBO</a>) shares moved upwards by 38.4% to $3.1 during Friday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $8.7 million. </li>
<li>Solid Power (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLDP#NASDAQ">SLDP</a>) shares increased by 37.89% to $2.69. The company's market cap stands at $485.0 million. </li>
<li>Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAZR#NASDAQ">LAZR</a>) stock rose 14.96% to $6.3. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $209.7 million. </li>
<li>Nxu (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXU#NASDAQ">NXU</a>) stock increased by 13.2% to $0.3. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $4.6 million. </li>
<li>Allurion Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALUR#NYSE">ALUR</a>) stock increased by 13.16% to $0.49. The company's market cap stands at $31.7 million. </li>
<li>Premium Catering (Hldgs) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PC#NASDAQ">PC</a>) stock moved upwards by 12.99% to $0.82. The company's market cap stands at $13.1 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Xcel Brands (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XELB#NASDAQ">XELB</a>) stock declined by 11.6% to $0.46 during Friday's pre-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $10.8 million. </li>
<li>Boqii Holding (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BQ#AMEX">BQ</a>) shares decreased by 8.14% to $0.34. The company's market cap stands at $1.5 million. </li>
<li>Mixed Martial Arts Group (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMA#AMEX">MMA</a>) stock fell 6.29% to $1.64. The company's market cap stands at $17.1 million. </li>
<li>JX Luxventure (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JXG#NASDAQ">JXG</a>) stock declined by 5.92% to $0.89. The company's market cap stands at $5.3 million. </li>
<li>Global Business Travel (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GBTG#NYSE">GBTG</a>) shares fell 5.86% to $9.0. The company's market cap stands at $4.2 billion. </li>
<li>Brilliant Earth Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRLT#NASDAQ">BRLT</a>) stock fell 5.42% to $1.92. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $26.1 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-consumer-cyclical-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-consumer-cyclical-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-consumer-cyclical-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Movers

ALUR

AMBO

BRLT

GBTG

LAZR

SLDP

XELB

12 Consumer Discretionary Stocks Moving In Friday's Pre-Market Session

Vincerx Pharma Announces Binding Term Sheet For Strategic Merger With Oqory, Inc.; Oqory Equity Holders To Own 95% Of Combined Entity, Vincerx 5%; Merger Includes $13.66M Equity Value For Vincerx Stockholders And $20M Equity Financing Requirement

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