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Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks are trading higher. Chinese stocks may be rising amid the Lunar New Year, recent AI developments out of China and government efforts to boost markets.

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Snowflake (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in SNOW usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 51 extraordinary options activities for Snowflake. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 39% leaning bullish and 43% bearish. Among these notable options, 8 are puts, totaling $364,416, and 43 are calls, amounting to $2,042,612.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $100.0 to $250.0 for Snowflake over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Snowflake's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Snowflake's whale activity within a strike price range from $100.0 to $250.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Snowflake Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738261864_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$6.5</td>
<td>$6.5</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$163.8K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$48.95</td>
<td>$46.6</td>
<td>$47.17</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$94.3K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$9.2</td>
<td>$9.3</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$93.0K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$6.6</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$6.6</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$75.9K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$1.28</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$71.5K</td>
<td>6.3K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Snowflake</h3>
Founded in 2012, Snowflake is a data lake, warehousing, and sharing company that went public in 2020. To date, the company has over 3,000 customers, including nearly 30% of the Fortune 500. Snowflake's data lake stores unstructured and semistructured data that can then be used in analytics to create insights stored in its data warehouse. Snowflake's data sharing capability allows enterprises to buy and ingest data, while its data solutions can be hosted on various public clouds.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Snowflake, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Snowflake Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 3,627,843, the SNOW's price is down by -2.74%, now at $177.86. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 27 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Snowflake</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $199.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $201. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays upgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $190. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Snowflake, which currently sits at a price target of $208. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Oppenheimer continues to hold a Outperform rating for Snowflake, targeting a price of $200. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has elevated its stance to Overweight, setting a new price target at $200. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Snowflake with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Markets

SNOW

Behind the Scenes of Snowflake's Latest Options Trends

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Palo Alto Networks. Our analysis of options history for Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) revealed 15 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 53% of traders were bullish, while 40% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 7 were puts, with a value of $421,292, and 8 were calls, valued at $317,533.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $150.0 to $240.0 for Palo Alto Networks over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Palo Alto Networks options trades today is 852.6 with a total volume of 954.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Palo Alto Networks's big money trades within a strike price range of $150.0 to $240.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Palo Alto Networks Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738261859_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$173.8K</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
<td align="right">220</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.65</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$73.6K</td>
<td align="right">550</td>
<td align="right">161</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$12.85</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$55.2K</td>
<td align="right">504</td>
<td align="right">204</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$12.85</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$55.2K</td>
<td align="right">504</td>
<td align="right">204</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$14.0</td>
<td>$13.5</td>
<td>$13.5</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td align="right">504</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Palo Alto Networks</h3>
Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity vendor with product offerings covering network security, cloud security, and security operations. The California-based firm has more than 80,000 enterprise customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Palo Alto Networks, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Palo Alto Networks Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,776,624, the price of PANW is up 0.49% at $186.34. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 19 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Palo Alto Networks</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $187.6.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Palo Alto Networks, which currently sits at a price target of $230. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Guggenheim downgraded its action to Sell with a price target of $130. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Loop Capital keeps a Hold rating on Palo Alto Networks with a target price of $180. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Deutsche Bank downgraded its action to Hold with a price target of $190. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JMP Securities has revised its rating downward to Market Outperform, adjusting the price target to $208. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Palo Alto Networks with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

PANW

Palo Alto Networks's Options: A Look at What the Big Money is Thinking

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in BAC usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 13 extraordinary options activities for Bank of America. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 38% leaning bullish and 53% bearish. Among these notable options, 4 are puts, totaling $982,054, and 9 are calls, amounting to $697,850.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $40.0 to $48.0 for Bank of America over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Bank of America options trades today is 11096.7 with a total volume of 17,739.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Bank of America's big money trades within a strike price range of $40.0 to $48.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Bank of America Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738261853_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$2.26</td>
<td>$2.24</td>
<td>$2.25</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$783.0K</td>
<td>33.0K</td>
<td>4.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$0.98</td>
<td>$0.97</td>
<td>$0.98</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$198.7K</td>
<td>37.5K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.41</td>
<td>$1.39</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$115.0K</td>
<td>9.4K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$98.9K</td>
<td>283</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$9.65</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$96.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Bank of America</h3>
Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, with more than $3.0 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking, and global markets. Bank of America's consumer-facing lines of business include its network of branches and deposit-gathering operations, retail lending products, credit and debit cards, and small-business services. The company's Merrill Lynch operations provide brokerage and wealth-management services, as does its private bank. Wholesale lines of business include investment banking, corporate and commercial real estate lending, and capital markets operations. Bank of America has operations in several countries but is primarily US-focused.
<h3>Bank of America's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 11,248,974, the price of BAC is up by 0.01%, reaching $46.75.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 75 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Bank of America</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $54.2.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Truist Securities lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $52. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays persists with their Overweight rating on Bank of America, maintaining a target price of $58. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Oppenheimer continues to hold a Outperform rating for Bank of America, targeting a price of $55. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Bank of America, which currently sits at a price target of $53. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $53. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Bank of America, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Looking At Bank of America's Recent Unusual Options Activity

CORT

Corcept Therapeutics shares are trading higher after Canaccord Genuity raised its price target on the stock from $78 to $130.

GOLD

SBSW

Shares of gold stocks are trading higher amid a rise in the price of gold.

Goldman Sachs analyst Brooke Roach reiterated a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VFC/analyst-ratings"> Neutral rating</a> on the shares of VF Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFC#NYSE">VFC</a>) and raised the price target from $22 to $25.
VFC delivered a broad-based <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43302258/apparel-company-vf-corp-beats-q3-expectations-north-face-climbs-vans-slips">third-quarter beat</a>, and raised its full-year 2025 free cash flow guidance, said the analyst.
However, the company provided a fourth-quarter revenue forecast below consensus, primarily due to wholesale timing shifts and foreign exchange impacts. 
Overall, the analyst remains positive about the company&#8217;s progress with its Reinvent strategy, noting continued improvements in execution during the quarter.
According to the analyst, key highlights from the quarter include, year-over-year revenue growth for the first time in nine quarters, driven by growth across all regions, strong performances from TNF and Timberland, and sequential improvement at Vans with favorable comparisons.
The analyst also highlighted positive year-over-year sell-through for Vans in the U.S. non-value channel during the holiday season, solid gross margin expansion, benefiting from easier comparisons to last year&#8217;s inventory reset, product cost tailwinds, and lower promotional activity.
Greater-than-expected savings in SG&amp;A costs, with management on track to achieve approximately $300 million in SG&amp;A run-rate savings by the end of FY25; and ongoing debt reduction, with the company remaining on track to meet its medium-term leverage target of 2.5x or lower by FY28. 
The analyst views this quarter as a significant indication of early progress with VFC's Reinvent plan, and is optimistic about the business&#8217;s margin trajectory, especially in terms of SG&amp;A.
The analyst is eager to receive a more detailed update on the recent performance and future strategy of each brand during the second segment of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance">company's Investor Day, scheduled for March 6.</a>
Price Action: VFC shares are trading higher by 4.65% at $26.75 at the last check Thursday.
Photo via Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Equities

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

General

North Face Parent VF Corp's Q3 Marks First Revenue Growth In Nine Quarters, But Goldman Sachs Stays Neutral

HWKN

Hawkins shares are trading lower following a Q3 earnings miss.

Dolby Laboratories shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q1 financial results.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Ken Herbert cut the price forecast for General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) to $280 from $290, while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GD/analyst-ratings">reiterating an Sector Perform rating</a>.
On Wednesday, the company reported revenue growth of 14.3% year over year to $13.338 billion, beating the consensus of $12.77 billion and EPS of $4.15 (up 14% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43305515/general-dynamics-beats-q4-expectations-with-144-billion-contract-backlog">Y/Y), above the consensus of $4.10</a>.
In its conference call, the company said it expects a 2025 effective tax rate of 17.5%. The CEO said Gulfstream deliveries will be around 150 aircraft in 2025.
Also, the company expects 2025 total revenue of $50.3 billion and company-wide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPS to be around $14.80.</a>
The analyst writes that he remains optimistic about the 2025 Gulfstream outlook, however, muted free cash flow and limited margin expansion in defense, coupled with heightened uncertainty in the sector, remains a matter of concern.
In particular, Herbert recognized the execution challenges at Gulfstream but acknowledge the strong business jet demand, reflected in a 1x book-to-bill ratio for fourth-quarter 2024.
Following the company's revised 2025 guidance, the analyst now projects 150 deliveries in 2025 and 160 in 2026.
Additionally, aircraft services could offer upside potential with low double-digit growth, adds the analyst.
Apart from this, the analyst says that the submarine supply chain continues to face significant constraints, leading to persistent margin underperformance.
While revenue growth remains strong, Herbert remain cautious about the pace of margin improvement.
For 2026, the analyst expects overall defense portfolio margins to remain flat at approximately 9.5%, consistent with 2024 levels.
Also, the analyst believes that Trump 2.0 can pose greater risk for the GD defense portfolio outside of Marine.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)and&nbsp;First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>).
Price Action: GDS shares are up 1.54% at $255.31 at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43232316/deepseek-jitters-shatter-us-tech-stocks-wipe-out-12-trillion-on-wall-street-analyst-eyes-four-chinese-giants-set-to-benefit"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43232316/deepseek-jitters-shatter-us-tech-stocks-wipe-out-12-trillion-on-wall-street-analyst-eyes-four-chinese-giants-set-to-benefit">DeepSeek Jitters Shatter US Tech Stocks, Wipe Out $1.2 Trillion On Wall Street: Analyst Eyes Four Chinese Giants Set To Benefit</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Large Cap

MISL

SHLD

General Dynamics' Growth Vs. Uncertainty: Analyst Flags Margin Challenges And Policy Risks

Goldman Sachs analyst Jerry Revich, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/cat/analyst-ratings">maintaining a Buy rating and $442 price forecast</a>, expressed views on Caterpillar, Inc.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>) mixed fourth quarter FY24 results reported today.
Total sales and revenue for the quarter declined 5% year-over-year to $16.215 billion, missing the consensus of $16.411 billion, while adjusted earnings of $5.14 per share came <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43335504/caterpillar-beats-q4-eps-estimates-but-revenue-disappoints-machinery-energy-transportation-segment-faces-pressure">above the consensus of $4.99</a>.
For 2025,&nbsp;sales are expected to decline ~1%&nbsp;due to unfavorable pricing, with a slight headwind in other income from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance">lower interest income and currency effects</a>.
The analyst writes that the key discussion around the company is whether the 2025 margin outlook represents a cyclical trough following its fourth-quarter results.
The results highlighted positives such as a sharp increase in destocking ($700 million) and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.08x in orders, adds the analyst. 
However, concerns remain over 2025 margin targets, which are approximately 200 basis points below FactSet consensus, and a fourth-quarter EBIT miss—though the latter is seen as less significant given destocking progress, writes the analyst.
Revich says that while he expects to decline due to the reset in 2025 estimates, the peak of destocking headwinds, strong bookings, and effective cost management amid production cuts could support multiple expansion post-earnings.
The analyst estimates EPS of $21.68 for FY25 and $23.33 for FY26.
Price Action: CAT shares are down 4.51% at $375.51 at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43330328/us-stocks-set-for-gains-ahead-of-q1-gdp-apple-earnings"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43330328/us-stocks-set-for-gains-ahead-of-q1-gdp-apple-earnings">US Stocks Set For Gains Ahead Of Q1 GDP, Apple Earnings: Expert Says &#8216;Higher January&#8217; Bodes Well For The Rest Of The Year</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Caterpillar Has Potential For Multiple Expansion Post Earnings, Goldman Sachs Says

With Microsoft Corp's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Azure showing signs of slowing, Amazon.com Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) AWS could seize the moment as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence">AI demand stays</a> red-hot.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Azure Stumbles, AWS Poised To Shine</h1>
Microsoft's latest earnings report revealed a slight deceleration in Azure's cloud growth, with second-quarter revenue rising 31% year-over-year — just shy of the 32% expected by analysts. AI remains a powerful tailwind, contributing 13% to Azure's growth, but Microsoft cited go-to-market challenges affecting non-AI cloud revenue.
For AWS, that's a potential opening. BofA Securities analyst Justin Post expects Amazon's cloud unit to post a solid 19%-20% growth in the fourth quarter, with the potential for further acceleration in the next quarter. With Amazon's Trainium chips in high demand and infrastructure spending ramping up, AWS could maintain its dominance in AI-driven cloud services.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43333708/exclusive-podcastone-partners-with-amazon-for-distribution-expanding-monetization-and-ad-targeting-for-top-podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: PodcastOne Partners With Amazon For Distribution, Expanding Monetization and Ad Targeting for Top Podcasts</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">AI Investment War Heats Up</h1>
According to Post, Microsoft isn't backing down, planning to pour $80 billion into AI investments in fiscal 2025. The analyst noted that efficiency gains are helping Azure scale, with management pointing to significant price-performance improvements between hardware and software generations. 
However, Post highlighted that capacity constraints may still weigh on the third quarter, potentially giving AWS a window to gain ground.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Amazon's Cloud Edge</h1>
Post also pointed out that, unlike Microsoft, AWS primarily bills in U.S. dollars, insulating it from foreign exchange volatility. That stability, coupled with strong infrastructure demand, positions Amazon well in the AI arms race.
BofA maintains a Buy rating on Amazon, with Post highlighting an attractive risk-reward setup as AI continues to fuel cloud expansion.
With Microsoft facing minor hurdles, AWS could be poised to take full advantage of the next wave of AI-driven growth.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43337274/why-voo-investors-should-keep-calm-despite-ai-stock-turbulence">Why VOO Investors Should Keep Calm Despite AI Stock Turbulence</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Tech

AMZN

MSFT

Amazon AI-Powered AWS Boom: Can It Outshine Microsoft Azure?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Nu Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NU#NYSE">NU</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with NU, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 13 options trades for Nu Holdings.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 61% bullish and 30%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $1,812,000, and 12, calls, for a total amount of $658,195.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $9.0 and $20.0 for Nu Holdings, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Nu Holdings's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Nu Holdings's whale trades within a strike price range from $9.0 to $20.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Nu Holdings Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738260976_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$7.55</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$1.8M</td>
<td>258</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$0.46</td>
<td>$0.45</td>
<td>$0.46</td>
<td>$13.50</td>
<td>$184.4K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>4.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$9.00</td>
<td>$112.5K</td>
<td>356</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$0.92</td>
<td>$0.88</td>
<td>$0.89</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$44.5K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$0.92</td>
<td>$0.87</td>
<td>$0.87</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$43.5K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>89</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Nu Holdings</h3>
Nu Holdings Ltd is engaged in providing digital banking services. It offers several financial services such as Credit cards, Personal Account, Investments, Personal Loans, Insurance, Mobile payments, Business Accounts, and Rewards. The company earns the majority of its revenue in Brazil.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Nu Holdings, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Nu Holdings</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 36,400,343, the price of NU is up by 6.57%, reaching $13.38.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 21 days from now.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Nu Holdings, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With Nu Holdings

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVS#NYSE">LVS</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in LVS often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 27 options trades for Las Vegas Sands. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 40% bullish and 44% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $33,318, and 26 calls, totaling $1,337,395.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $35.0 to $55.0 for Las Vegas Sands over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Las Vegas Sands's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Las Vegas Sands's whale activity within a strike price range from $35.0 to $55.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Las Vegas Sands 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738260971_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$15.2</td>
<td>$14.95</td>
<td>$15.1</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$116.1K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.99</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$1.85</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$92.5K</td>
<td>535</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$2.39</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$87.5K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>361</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1.74</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$1.73</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$87.4K</td>
<td>7.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$85.3K</td>
<td>669</td>
<td>211</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Las Vegas Sands</h3>
Las Vegas Sands is the world's largest operator of fully integrated resorts, featuring casino, hotel, entertainment, food and beverage, retail, and convention center operations. The company owns the Venetian Macao, Sands Macao, Londoner Macao, Four Seasons Hotel Macao, and Parisian Macao, as well as the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore. We expect Sands to open a fourth tower in Singapore in 2031. Its Venetian and Palazzo Las Vegas assets in the US were sold to Apollo and VICI in 2022. With the sale of its Vegas assets, the company generates all its EBITDA from Asia, with its casino operations generating the majority of sales.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Las Vegas Sands, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Las Vegas Sands's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 8,220,733, the price of LVS is up by 10.61%, reaching $48.04.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 76 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Las Vegas Sands</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $59.666666666666664.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Las Vegas Sands, which currently sits at a price target of $59. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has revised its rating downward to Equal-Weight, adjusting the price target to $51. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Jefferies has elevated its stance to Buy, setting a new price target at $69. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Las Vegas Sands, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Spotlight on Las Vegas Sands: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on NEXTracker (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXT#NASDAQ">NXT</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with NXT, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for NEXTracker.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 55% bullish and 33%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $185,350, and 5 are calls, for a total amount of $179,700.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $45.0 to $50.0 for NEXTracker over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for NEXTracker's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of NEXTracker's whale trades within a strike price range from $45.0 to $50.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>NEXTracker Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738260966_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NXT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$1.95</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$84.8K</td>
<td>504</td>
<td align="right">432</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NXT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td align="right">205</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NXT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NXT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$7.3</td>
<td>$7.1</td>
<td>$7.3</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$40.8K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td align="right">957</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NXT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$31.2K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">447</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About NEXTracker</h3>
Nextracker (and its subsidiaries) is a leading provider of intelligent, integrated solar tracker and software solutions used in utility-scale and distributed generation solar projects around the world. Nextracker's products enable solar panels in utility-scale power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance. Nextracker has operations in the United States, Mexico, Spain and other countries in Europe, India, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Brazil.
In light of the recent options history for NEXTracker, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of NEXTracker</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,496,703, the NXT's price is up by 4.16%, now at $51.29. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 103 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On NEXTracker</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $53.2.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Neutral rating on NEXTracker, maintaining a target price of $45. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays has elevated its stance to Overweight, setting a new price target at $60. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Northland Capital Markets has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $55. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Piper Sandler keeps a Overweight rating on NEXTracker with a target price of $50. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Jefferies upgrades its rating to Buy with a revised price target of $56. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest NEXTracker options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on NXT Options

Solana's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) leading meme coin, Bonk (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">BONK</a>), has seen a price dip, but traders continue to emphasize its strong fundamentals and potential for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bonk-bonk-price-prediction">a major rally</a>.
What Happened: Crypto trader Unipcs argued on Thursday on X that there's no reason to be bearish on BONK at current levels, citing multiple bullish catalysts. 
As the leading meme coin of Solana, the dominant blockchain of this cycle, BONK mirrors Shiba Inu's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) role in Ethereum's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) last cycle—SHIB peaked at a $43 billion valuation, while BONK currently sits at just $2 billion.
Passive buys and burns from Bonkbot will accelerate as Solana gains traction, and BONK is already listed on all major retail exchanges. 
Its low unit price makes it attractive to retail traders, and it&#8217;s one of the only meme coins with an ETF filing alongside DOGE and TRUMP.
Given the SEC's potential approval of these ETFs, BONK could see significant upside, the trader argues.
The BONKbot Burn Bot <a></a><a href="https://x.com/BONKbotBurnBot/status/1884753530889572798">reported</a> burning 1.4 billion BONK ($34,998) in the past 24 hours, bringing total burns to 603.3 billion BONK, worth $14.75 million.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43105356/meme-coin-supercycle-dogecoin-trump-bonk-futures-etf-applications-filed">Meme Coin Supercycle? Dogecoin, Trump, Bonk Futures ETF Applications Filed</a>
What's Next: Crypto trader Mammon suggests that while meme coins are experiencing corrections, the key is identifying those maintaining strong long-term structures. 
He notes that BONK has held its December lows well and is likely bottoming before its next major run.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Many memecoins taken a beating &#x2620;&#xFE0F; But now&#39;s the moment to spot those standing strong, maintaining their long-term structure and solid foundations<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BONK&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BONK</a> maintains its high tf structure and holding the December lows very well This looks to be bottoming here before the next run&#x1f680; <a href="https://t.co/XpAFUuKblS">pic.twitter.com/XpAFUuKblS</a>
&mdash; Mammon (@D_DTRADING) <a href="https://twitter.com/D_DTRADING/status/1884987109741932948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43201313/cathie-woods-focus-remains-on-big-three-bitcoin-ethereum-solana-prefers-to-stay-away-from-meme-coins">Cathie Wood Dismisses Trump Meme Coin, Remains Focused On Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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Gold surged past $2,790 in Thursday morning trading, setting a new all-time high after eclipsing its late October 2024 peak. Central bank actions and rising demand for safe-haven assets <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">fueled the metal's climb.</a>
Several major central banks have signaled a more dovish stance on inflation in recent hours, leading speculators to anticipate lower borrowing costs ahead—providing further support for gold prices. 
Furthermore, speculation over higher U.S. tariffs is leading to greater demand for gold by central banks, with disruptions affecting trading in London.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fed Holds Steady, While Other Major Central Banks Ease Borrowing Costs</h3>
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday and refrained from offering clear guidance on future moves. 
Yet, Fed Chair Jerome Powell struck a noticeably less hawkish tone compared to his stance in December.
Powell welcomed the latest inflation readings for January and did not rule out the possibility of rate cuts, stating that weaker labor market conditions or faster-than-expected disinflation could justify easing monetary policy.
Powell further stated that interest rates remain &#8220;meaningfully above neutral,&#8221; suggesting there is room for potential cuts.
&#8220;We remain comfortable with our forecast that the FOMC will deliver two more 25bp cuts in June and December this year and one more in 2026,&#8221; Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle wrote in a note Thursday. 
Market-based expectations continue to point toward two additional Fed rate cuts by the end of 2025, with the first move likely coming in June. 
On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada announced a 25-basis-point rate cut to 3%, citing inflation's broad convergence toward the 2% target. Policymakers also noted the potential negative economic effects of rising U.S. trade tariffs.
The BoC further announced the end of quantitative tightening and plans to restart asset purchases in early March to support liquidity and economic activity. 
On Thursday, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43336153/us-economy-grows-below-q4-estimates-as-consumer-spending-hits-7-quarter-high">U.S. GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2024</a> came in at 2.3%, missing the 2.6% consensus estimate. 
The same day, both the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43340971/ecb-cuts-interest-rates-by-25-basis-points-as-economy-cools-lagarde-rejects-bitcoin-as-reserve-asset">European Central Bank</a> and Sweden's Riksbank also announced rate cuts.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gold Miners Rally, Central Banks Rush To Gold In London</h3>
Rising gold prices are fueling a rally among metal miners during Thursday trading.
The widely followed VanEck Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDX#NYSE">GDX</a>) rallied 4.2% reaching levels last seen in early November 2024. Junior miners, as tracked by the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDXJ#NYSE">GDXJ</a>), were similarly up by 4.1%. 
In a seminar last week, VanEck portfolio manager Imaru Casanova indicated that central banks are rushing to buy gold. 
"Central banks are emerging as a key demand driver for gold prices," she said. 
As reported by Reuters, gold traders in London are scrambling to borrow bullion from central banks as shipments to the U.S. surge amid speculation of potential import tariffs. 
The Bank of England, which stores gold for central banks, is experiencing delays of up to four weeks for withdrawals—far longer than the usual few days.
The rush is driven by traders hedging risks on COMEX and capitalizing on a price premium between U.S. futures and London spot prices. 
Former Koch Supply &amp; Trading executive Robert Gottlieb told Reuters that the BoE is struggling to handle the increased borrowing requests.
Mining stocks showing a notable surge on Thursday include:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>1-day Return</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXK#NYSE">EXK</a>)</td>
<td>8.18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MAG Silver Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAG#NYSE">MAG</a>)</td>
<td>7.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDE#NYSE">CDE</a>)</td>
<td>7.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSM#NYSE">FSM</a>)</td>
<td>6.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SilverCrest Metals Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SILV#NYSE">SILV</a>)</td>
<td>6.72%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:20 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43318325/a-different-powell-emerges-fed-chair-softens-hawkish-tone-on-interest-rates-bitcoin">A Different Powell Emerges: Fed Chair Softens Hawkish Tone On Interest Rates, Bitcoin</a></li>
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Proposed Acquisition Drives Innovation for Customer Solutions, Enhances an Already Competitive Market, and Fortifies U.S. National Security and the American "Core Tech" Sector
Companies Plan to Vigorously Defend the Transaction in Court
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPE#NYSE">HPE</a>) and Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNPR#NYSE">JNPR</a>) today responded to the filing of a complaint by the U.S. Department of Justice seeking to prohibit closing of HPE's proposed acquisition of Juniper:
"We believe the Department of Justice's analysis of this acquisition is fundamentally flawed and we are disappointed in its decision to file a suit attempting to prohibit the closing of the transaction. We will vigorously defend against the Department of Justice's overreaching interpretation of antitrust laws and will demonstrate how this transaction will provide customers with greater innovation and choice, positively change the dynamics in the networking market by enhancing competition, and strengthen the backbone of U.S. networking infrastructure. Consistent with the conclusions reached by all other major antitrust regulators who have reviewed the deal, this transaction brings together two complementary networking offerings and will create a networking player with the scope and scale to more effectively compete with global incumbents. This proposed acquisition will provide customers of all sizes with a modern, secure network built with AI and for AI to ensure a better user and operator experience, and will create more competition, not less."
The facts in support of this transaction are clear:
There is extensive evidence that shows this acquisition is pro-competitive and the product area that is the focus of the DOJ's suit – Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) – is characterized by robust competition, with at least eight alternatives to HPE and Juniper.
<ul>
<li>The DOJ's claim that the WLAN market is composed of three primary players is substantially disconnected from market realities. As customers shift to AI and cloud-driven business strategies for secure, unified technology solutions to protect their data, barriers to entry have decreased and expansion and competition for WLAN has intensified. As such, WLAN is an extremely competitive market with a broad set of players, all of whom are fighting for business and winning bids in competitive RFP processes. The transaction will not impede the ability of other WLAN vendors to vigorously compete.</li>
<li>These allegations ignore well capitalized competitors in the U.S. – several of which hold market shares comparable to Juniper and one of which holds more than 50% market share. These competitors generate business across all customer sizes and industry verticals, including large enterprise customers, who often solicit bids from five competitors for each opportunity.</li>
<li>The transaction has been approved by antitrust regulators in 14 jurisdictions, including the European Commission and the U.K. CMA, each of which unconditionally cleared the transaction and acknowledged the pro-competitive benefits of this transaction. Other than Israel, the U.S. is the only jurisdiction to not have cleared this deal.</li>
<li>Customers support this transaction, and the Department of Justice has not provided any evidence of customer complaints.</li>
</ul>
The combination creates unparalleled opportunity to better serve both HPE and Juniper customers and acts as an innovation catalyst for the industry.
<ul>
<li>This transaction will benefit customers who gain a comprehensive AI-driven and cloud-native IT portfolio including the networking architecture necessary to manage and simplify their expanding and increasingly complex connectivity needs.</li>
<li>Following the completion of the transaction, the combined company expects to accelerate innovation across the entire networking stack by investing in various R&amp;D initiatives. This innovation will create more compelling solutions for customers and partners.</li>
</ul>
HPE and Juniper's complementary combination will create a compelling, U.S.-based alternative globally to incumbents, fortifying the American "core tech" sector that serves as the backbone of U.S. networking infrastructure.
<ul>
<li>"Core tech" companies build and maintain the critical infrastructure that enables our entire modern economy and includes essential technologies like large-scale compute, semiconductors, and networking. These are essential to safeguarding national security.</li>
<li>The networking space has become a critical arena of vulnerability, particularly as the industry looks toward 6G development and quantum-secure communications.</li>
<li>The transaction will create a robust U.S.-based provider of core technology infrastructure that can help to protect against national security risks in the global technology market.</li>
</ul>
HPE and Juniper remain fully committed to the transaction and believe we will prevail in litigation and close the transaction so we can deliver the benefits of this acquisition to our customers.

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<ul>
	<li>i3 Energy PLC&nbsp;(TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITE#TSX">ITE</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITEEF#OTC">ITEEF</a>)&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.accesswire.com/700883/i3-Energy-PLC-Announces-Dividend-Increase-June-2022-Dividend-Declaration" style="background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; color:#4a6ee0" target="_blank">increased the minimum dividend to be paid in 2022 by 25%</a>, from &pound;11.827 million to &pound;14.784 million, to be implemented by increasing the monthly dividend.</li>
	<li>The company stated that the increase reflects the solid performance of its production assets, positive results from the initial phase of its 2022 development drilling program, continuing commodity price strength, and the consequent positive impact on cash flow projections.</li>
	<li>i3 declared its June 2022 dividend totaling &pound;1.6052 million. The monthly dividend amounts to 0.1425 pence/share, payable on June 10, 2022, to shareholders of record on May 20, 2022.</li>
	<li>Price Action:&nbsp;ITE shares are trading higher by 7.23% at C$0.45 on TSX, and ITEEF is higher by 11.15% at $0.36 on the last check Wednesday.</li>
</ul>

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