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Precigen, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGEN#NASDAQ">PGEN</a>) shares are trading higher on Monday after the company completed the rolling submission for a biologics license application to the FDA for PRGN-2012 (zopapogene imadenovec) to treat adult patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
PRGN-2012 is an investigational AdenoVerse gene therapy targeting HPV 6 and HPV 11 infections. It has received Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA, and Orphan Drug Designation from the European Commission.
PRGN-2012 could become the first FDA-approved treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, a rare, life-threatening condition with no cure.
Current treatment involves repeated surgeries, which don&#8217;t address the root cause and lead to recurring disease.
The submission is now under the FDA&#8217;s initial 60-day review period, during which the agency will determine whether to accept the application&nbsp;for further review and establish the Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date.
The biologics license application includes a request for priority review, which, if granted, would shorten the review timeline from 10 months to 6 months.
The BLA for PRGN-2012 is backed by a Phase 1/2 study (NCT04724980) in 38 RRP patients. The primary safety and efficacy endpoints were met, as reported in the&nbsp;results from the pivotal study&nbsp;presented at the 2024 ASCO annual meeting.
Helen Sabzevari, PhD, President and CEO of Precigen, said, &#8220;There is currently no approved therapy for RRP patients and the submission of our BLA is an extremely important step in bringing the first therapy to fight this devastating disease.&#8221;&nbsp;
&#8220;We look forward to working closely with the FDA on next steps now that we have completed the BLA submission and we are excited by the potential to bring PRGN-2012 to RRP patients as quickly as possible.&#8221;
&#8220;With our most recent financial transactions announced last week to enhance our balance sheet, we have extended our cash runway into 2026, well beyond potential commercial launch in the second half of 2025.&#8221;&nbsp;
Price Action: PGEN shares are up 23.9% at $0.9000 at the last check Monday.
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PGEN

Precigen Soars: Biologics License Application Submission For PRGN-2012 Targets First FDA-Approved Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Treatment

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</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 AMAT, 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 17 uncommon options trades for Applied Mat.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 52% bullish and 35%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $288,460, and 12 are calls, for a total amount of $597,553.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $135.0 to $240.0 for Applied Mat during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Applied Mat stands at 553.81, with a total volume reaching 1,194.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Applied Mat, situated within the strike price corridor from $135.0 to $240.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Applied Mat Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735579830_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>AMAT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$32.6</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$165.0K</td>
<td>371</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$107.6K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td align="right">307</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$9.85</td>
<td>$9.93</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$79.4K</td>
<td>920</td>
<td align="right">262</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$76.8K</td>
<td>920</td>
<td align="right">180</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.05</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$3.05</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$61.0K</td>
<td>960</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Applied Mat</h3>
Applied Materials Inc is the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturer in the world. Applied Materials has a broad portfolio spanning nearly every corner of the WFE ecosystem. Specifically, Applied Materials holds a market share leadership position in deposition, which entails the layering of new materials on semiconductor wafers. It is more exposed to general-purpose logic chips made at integrated device manufacturers and foundries. It counts the largest chipmakers in the world as customers, including TSMC, Intel, and Samsung.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Applied Mat, 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 Applied Mat</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,517,198, with AMAT's price down by -1.84%, positioned at $163.76.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 45 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Applied Mat</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $187.0.
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; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on Applied Mat with a target price of $210. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Morgan Stanley lowers its rating to Underweight with a new price target of $164.
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 Applied Mat, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

AMAT

Behind the Scenes of Applied Mat's Latest Options Trends

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on EQT. Our analysis of options history for EQT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQT#NYSE">EQT</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 33% of traders were bullish, while 55% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $85,152, and 7 were calls, valued at $508,455.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $42.0 and $50.0 for EQT, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for EQT options trades today is 7005.88 with a total volume of 11,123.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for EQT's big money trades within a strike price range of $42.0 to $50.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>EQT Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735579825_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>EQT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$174.1K</td>
<td>11.1K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EQT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$0.51</td>
<td>$0.43</td>
<td>$0.45</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$92.6K</td>
<td>13.0K</td>
<td>5.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EQT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$0.46</td>
<td>$0.46</td>
<td>$0.46</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$92.2K</td>
<td>13.0K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EQT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>$1.14</td>
<td>$1.15</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$56.0K</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>487</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EQT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>$0.51</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$47.9K</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>671</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About EQT</h3>
EQT Corp is an independent natural gas production company with operations focused in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays in the Appalachian Basin. At year-end 2023, EQT's proven reserves totaled 27.6 trillion cubic feet equivalent, with net production of 5.79 billion cubic feet equivalent per day. Natural gas accounted for 94% of production.
Having examined the options trading patterns of EQT, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of EQT</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 4,936,372, the EQT's price is up by 4.56%, now at $46.34. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 43 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On EQT</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $51.75.
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 has decided to maintain their Buy rating on EQT, which currently sits at a price target of $51. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Bernstein downgraded its action to Market Perform with a price target of $50. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Mizuho upgrades its rating to Outperform with a revised price target of $57. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its action to Sector Perform with a price target of $49. 
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 EQT options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

EQT Unusual Options Activity For December 30

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Archer Aviation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</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 ACHR, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 14 options trades for Archer Aviation.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 42% bullish and 50%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $25,500, and 13, calls, for a total amount of $760,665.
<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 $5.0 to $15.0 for Archer Aviation over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Archer Aviation stands at 9526.1, with a total volume reaching 5,050.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Archer Aviation, situated within the strike price corridor from $5.0 to $15.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Archer Aviation Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735579820_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>ACHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$12.00</td>
<td>$175.0K</td>
<td>26.5K</td>
<td>937</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>$11.00</td>
<td>$147.5K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>576</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.25</td>
<td>$1.2</td>
<td>$1.25</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$62.5K</td>
<td>30.9K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$58.4K</td>
<td>17.6K</td>
<td>203</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$53.1K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>201</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Archer Aviation</h3>
Archer Aviation Inc advances the benefits of sustainable air mobility. The company is engaged in designing and developing a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOL aircraft for use in UAM networks. It is creating an electric airline that moves people throughout cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Archer Aviation, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Archer Aviation</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 25,410,140, the price of ACHR is down by -11.14%, reaching $9.94.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 56 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Archer Aviation</h3>
Over the past month, 4 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $12.875.
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 Deutsche Bank has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Archer Aviation, which currently sits at a price target of $15. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Canaccord Genuity continues to hold a Buy rating for Archer Aviation, targeting a price of $11. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald persists with their Overweight rating on Archer Aviation, maintaining a target price of $13. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. continues to hold a Buy rating for Archer Aviation, targeting a price of $12. 
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 Archer Aviation, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

ACHR

Archer Aviation Unusual Options Activity

If you're house-hunting in today's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42572520/2025-housing-market-looks-like-a-year-of-struggle-for-states-like-builders-now-hold-record-inventory">unpredictable real estate market</a>, you've probably heard the advice to get creative. One popular suggestion? Posting on neighborhood boards to find out if anyone wants to sell. It sounds great on paper – reach potential sellers directly, avoid bidding wars and snag your dream home. However, as one homebuyer learned, this strategy can have some serious downsides.
This buyer <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RealEstate/comments/13625br/i_hate_to_give_unsolicited_advice_but_if_i_can/">shared</a> their experience on Reddit's r/RealEstate and it's a cautionary tale for anyone considering this approach. In their quest to find a home in a neighborhood with 1,500 houses, they posted online asking if anyone was planning to sell. Several homeowners answered over six months. They made significant offers on three residences that suited their needs and budget, much over the asking price, with flexible terms including rent-back possibilities and no conditions attached.
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<ul>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>
Yet, every single deal fell apart.
The homeowners were initially excited about selling for a high price. But once the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/purchase-and-sale-agreement">contract details</a> were on the table, reality set in. Each seller backed out after realizing they had nowhere to go. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/24/01/36491619/im-downsizing-for-retirement-and-selling-my-primary-home-for-1-million-will-i">Downsizing</a> seemed feasible, but the current market meant finding a smaller home would cost them three times their current mortgage for half the size. The sticker shock was too much for these long-term homeowners, who had lived in their houses for over 15 years.
The buyer summed it up: They saw the dollar signs but didn't think it through. They wanted equity but hadn't faced the reality of what would come next.
See Also: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks-y2">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Emotional Hurdle of Downsizing</h2>
Downsizing is as much an emotional decision as it is a financial one. Many people have difficulty letting go of their space, memories and way of life. For some, moving to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39811325/homes-are-shrinking-fast-with-hallways-being-the-first-to-go">smaller house</a> feels like losing progress. For others, it's about facing the reality of aging or saying goodbye to a place filled with memories. These feelings can make it hard for sellers to follow through, even if selling seems like a smart financial choice.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Work With Sellers Who Have a Plan</h2>
This experience taught the buyer a valuable lesson: pursuing an off-market deal is risky unless a seller has a clear plan or is working with an agent. Without understanding what comes next, sellers are more likely to get cold feet, leaving buyers disappointed and back at square one.
If you&#8217;re thinking about this strategy, make sure that any prospective seller has researched the market and is aware of the realities of downsizing. Sellers are more likely to back out if they don&#8217;t have a clear plan for what to do next. While public listings might mean more competition, they usually involve sellers ready to move.&nbsp;
This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interest Rates Are Falling, But These Yields Aren't Going Anywhere</h2>
Lower interest rates mean some investments won't yield what they did in months past, but you don't have to lose those gains. Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">this one has a minimum investment of only $100.&nbsp;</a>
Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/alternative-investments/real-estate">Benzinga Real Estate Screener</a> features the latest offerings.

Real Estate

A Homebuyer Posts, 'We're Not Falling For This Again,' Issuing A Warning To Fellow House Hunters On Local Boards

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/telecom" rel="noreferrer noopener">Telecom giants</a> AT&amp;T Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) and Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) announced that their networks are secure following a cyberespionage attack by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42713217/nine-telecommunication-companies-hacked-as-part-of-salt-typhoon" rel="noreferrer noopener">China-linked Salt Typhoon</a> group.
This marks the first acknowledgment by the companies of the breach, TechCrunch <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/30/verizon-says-it-has-secured-its-network-after-breach-by-china-linked-salt-typhoon-group/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. Both the stocks are down Monday.
AT&amp;T&#8217;s Alexander Byers communicated to TechCrunch the company currently detects no nation-state activity on its networks.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42721526/taiwan-semiconductors-kaohsiung-expansion-to-boost-jobs-and-2-nm-chip-production" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Kaohsiung Expansion To Boost 2-nm Chip Production</a>
Verizon&#8217;s Richard Young confirmed to TechCrunch that the breach had been contained, with verification from a respected third-party cybersecurity firm, though the firm remains unnamed.
Both companies emphasized TechCrunch&#8217;s collaboration with federal law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to address the incident.
AT&amp;T told TechCrunch that China-backed hackers targeted a limited number of individuals with foreign intelligence ties, with relatively few instances of compromised information.
Verizon told TechCrunch that it identified the attackers as focusing on a small group of high-profile government customers.
Verizon&#8217;s chief general officer said the company took decisive actions, collaborating with law enforcement, national security agencies, and private cybersecurity firms to address and contain the breach.
U.S. officials have identified at least nine telecom providers targeted by Salt Typhoon, including Lumen Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUMN#NYSE">LUMN</a>) and T-Mobile US, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>).
China <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42154276/us-confronts-chinese-cyber-espionage-threat-worst-telecom-hack-in-our-nations-history" rel="noreferrer noopener">denied the hacking allegations</a>, but U.S. officials remain concerned about its extensive hacking program. FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that China&#8217;s cyber operations surpass all other significant nations combined.
In April, Wray <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42022124/t-mobile-hit-by-chinese-hackers-after-rivals-att-verizon-suffer-breach-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">cautioned that China</a> could disrupt U.S. infrastructure, explicitly targeting telecommunications, energy, and water sectors.
In May, a significant hacking event compromised the data of U.K. military personnel, with China emerging as the primary suspect.
Microsoft&nbsp;Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and&nbsp;other cybersecurity companies are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41200026/chinese-hackers-breach-at-t-verizon-networks-in-major-wiretap-data-theft-putting-us-national-securit" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigating the&nbsp;Salt Typhoon</a> breach.
U.S. and China remain embroiled in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42265847/biden-targets-china-with-new-chip-restrictions-nvidia-slides" rel="noreferrer noopener">geopolitical tensions</a>. The Western counterpart imposed semiconductor sanctions on its Asian counterpart after the 2020 pandemic outbreak disrupted semiconductor supply chains.
Investors can gain exposure to the telecom stocks through Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCOM#NYSE">FCOM</a>) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOX#NYSE">VOX</a>).
Price Actions: At the last check on Monday, T stock was down 1.03% to $22.63.
Also Read:
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</ul>
Photo by Bits And Splits on Shutterstock

Tech

Media

FCOM

LUMN

MSFT

TMUS

AT&T and Verizon Contain Cyberattack Linked to China's Salt Typhoon Group

Piper Sandler analyst Edward Tenthoff reiterates Legend Biotech (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEGN#NASDAQ">LEGN</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $78 price target.

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

LEGN

Piper Sandler Reiterates Overweight on Legend Biotech, Maintains $78 Price Target

Piper Sandler analyst Edward Tenthoff maintains Century Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPSC#NASDAQ">IPSC</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $12 to $4.

IPSC

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Century Therapeutics, Lowers Price Target to $4

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</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 PFE, 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 Pfizer.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 55% bullish and 44%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $756,145, and 5 are calls, for a total amount of $390,670.
<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 $15.0 to $30.0 for Pfizer over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Pfizer stands at 8175.14, with a total volume reaching 29,242.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Pfizer, situated within the strike price corridor from $15.0 to $30.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Pfizer 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735578928_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>PFE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$0.29</td>
<td>$0.23</td>
<td>$0.24</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
<td>$518.4K</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$11.5</td>
<td>$11.45</td>
<td>$11.4</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$148.2K</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.61</td>
<td>$1.58</td>
<td>$1.59</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$136.8K</td>
<td>37.6K</td>
<td>972</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$0.46</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
<td>$125.0K</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>26.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$62.7K</td>
<td>559</td>
<td>151</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Pfizer</h3>
Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms, with annual sales close to $50 billion (excluding covid-19-related product sales). While it historically sold many types of healthcare products and chemicals, now prescription drugs and vaccines account for the majority of sales. Top sellers include pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar 13, cancer drug Ibrance, and cardiovascular treatment Eliquis. Pfizer sells these products globally, with international sales representing close to 50% of total sales. Within international sales, emerging markets are a major contributor.
<h3>Pfizer's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 10,754,819, the PFE's price is down by -0.85%, now at $26.39. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 36 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Pfizer</h3>
Over the past month, 3 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $31.333333333333332.
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 Guggenheim persists with their Buy rating on Pfizer, maintaining a target price of $33. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Truist Securities keeps a Buy rating on Pfizer with a target price of $32. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from B of A Securities downgraded its rating to Neutral, setting a price target of $29. 
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 Pfizer with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Pfizer's Options: A Look at What the Big Money is Thinking

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Shopify.
Looking at options history for Shopify (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOP#NYSE">SHOP</a>) we detected 14 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 28% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 42% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $179,950 and 9, calls, for a total amount of $707,111.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $55.0 and $120.0 for Shopify, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Shopify stands at 2545.89, with a total volume reaching 3,152.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Shopify, situated within the strike price corridor from $55.0 to $120.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Shopify 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735578923_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$37.35</td>
<td>$36.55</td>
<td>$37.0</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$366.3K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$19.95</td>
<td>$18.05</td>
<td>$19.09</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$74.4K</td>
<td>199</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$9.45</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$47.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$45.6</td>
<td>$44.9</td>
<td>$45.6</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$45.6K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/03/25</td>
<td>$1.75</td>
<td>$1.66</td>
<td>$1.74</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$43.7K</td>
<td>379</td>
<td align="right">572</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Shopify</h3>
Shopify offers an e-commerce platform primarily to small and medium-size businesses. The firm has two segments. The subscription solutions segment allows Shopify merchants to conduct e-commerce on a variety of platforms, including the company's website, physical stores, pop-up stores, kiosks, social networks (Facebook), and Amazon. The merchant solutions segment offers add-on products for the platform that facilitate e-commerce and include Shopify Payments, Shopify Shipping, and Shopify Capital.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Shopify, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Shopify's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,963,164, the SHOP's price is down by -1.43%, now at $106.63. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 43 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Shopify</h3>
Over the past month, 3 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $126.66666666666667.
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; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from JMP Securities lowers its rating to Market Outperform with a new price target of $120. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JMP Securities downgraded its action to Market Outperform with a price target of $120. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Loop Capital has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $140. 
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 Shopify, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

SHOP

What the Options Market Tells Us About Shopify

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Axsome Therapeutics.
Looking at options history for Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXSM#NASDAQ">AXSM</a>) we detected 14 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 42% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 50% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 9 are puts, for a total amount of $2,365,912 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $327,807.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $75.0 to $110.0 for Axsome Therapeutics over the recent 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 Axsome Therapeutics'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 Axsome Therapeutics's whale trades within a strike price range from $75.0 to $110.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Axsome Therapeutics 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735578918_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>AXSM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.0</td>
<td>$11.7</td>
<td>$12.05</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$1.6M</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXSM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$245.4K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXSM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$190.6K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>184</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXSM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$11.5</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$122.7K</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXSM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$7.2</td>
<td>$9.2</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$115.0K</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>125</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Axsome Therapeutics</h3>
Axsome Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in developing novel therapies for the management of the central nervous system, or CNS, disorders for which there are limited treatment options. Its pipeline products include AXS-05, AXS-07, AXS-12, and AXS-14. It manages its business as one operating segment and reporting unit, which is the business of developing and delivering novel therapies for the management of CNS disorders.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Axsome Therapeutics, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Axsome Therapeutics's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,190,797, the AXSM's price is down by -9.18%, now at $78.75. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 50 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Axsome Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $125.5.
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 $121. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Needham downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $130. 
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 Axsome Therapeutics with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

AXSM

Smart Money Is Betting Big In AXSM Options

Morgan Stanley analyst Stephen Byrd maintains EastGroup Props (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EGP#NYSE">EGP</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $186 to $180.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on EastGroup Props, Lowers Price Target to $180

Morgan Stanley analyst Ronald Kamdem maintains American Healthcares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AHR#NYSE">AHR</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $27 to $29.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Overweight on American Healthcares, Raises Price Target to $29

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNS#NASDAQ">MRNS</a>) shares are trading higher on Monday after the company entered into a merger agreement to be acquired by Immedica Pharma AB, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42719722" rel="noreferrer noopener">implying an enterprise value of approximately $151 million.</a>
As per the deal, Immedica will launch a tender offer through a wholly owned subsidiary to acquire all outstanding shares of Marinus common stock at $0.55 per share in cash.
This represents a 48% premium over Marinus&#8217; December 27 closing price and a 97% premium over the 30-day volume-weighted average price of $0.28.
The transaction represents the consummation of Marinus&#8217; review of strategic alternatives, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41514570" rel="noreferrer noopener">which it announced in October.</a>
Marinus&#8217; Board of Directors has unanimously approved the deal and recommended that stockholders tender their shares.
Following the successful tender, Immedica will acquire any remaining shares through a second-step merger at the same per-share price. The deal is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2025.
The acquisition grants Immedica global rights to ZTALMY, a commercial-stage rare neurology medicine approved by the FDA, European Commission, UK MHRA, and China&#8217;s NMPA, with potential for additional approvals worldwide.
The deal is expected to drive Immedica&#8217;s revenue growth by adding a U.S.-based commercial asset with global expansion potential.
Scott Braunstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marinus, stated, &#8220;With a shared commitment to improving the lives of rare disease patients, this acquisition is expected to enable ZTALMY to make an even greater impact on patients, while providing meaningful value for Marinus&#8217; stockholders.&#8221;
Price Action: MRNS shares are up 42.1% at $0.5279 at the last check Monday.
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Marinus Pharma Agrees To $151 Million Acquisition By Immedica: Shares Surge Over 40%

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on American Airlines Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</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 AAL, 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 11 uncommon options trades for American Airlines Gr.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 45% bullish and 54%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $412,713, and 4 are calls, for a total amount of $229,450.
<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 $10.0 and $20.0 for American Airlines Gr, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for American Airlines Gr's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across American Airlines Gr's significant trades, within a strike price range of $10.0 to $20.0, over the past month.
<h3>American Airlines Gr Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735578031_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>AAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$2.14</td>
<td>$2.09</td>
<td>$2.14</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$104.2K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
<td>500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$9.25</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$9.05</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$90.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$0.3</td>
<td>$0.19</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$70.4K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$1.38</td>
<td>$1.33</td>
<td>$1.38</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
<td>$69.0K</td>
<td>725</td>
<td>521</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.05</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
<td>$66.9K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>216</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About American Airlines Gr</h3>
American Airlines is the world's largest airline by aircraft, capacity, and scheduled revenue passenger miles. Its major US hubs are Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. It generates over 30% of US airline revenue connecting Latin America with destinations in the United States. After completing a major fleet renewal, the company has the youngest fleet of US legacy carriers.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding American Airlines Gr, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Current Position of American Airlines Gr</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 7,490,734, the price of AAL is up by 1.53%, reaching $17.61.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 24 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for American Airlines Gr</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $21.2.
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; An analyst from Barclays has decided to maintain their Equal-Weight rating on American Airlines Gr, which currently sits at a price target of $18. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Bernstein upgrades its rating to Outperform with a revised price target of $24. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Raymond James has upgraded their rating to Outperform and adjusted the price target to $24. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $20. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Seaport Global upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $20. 
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 American Airlines Gr, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on AAL Options

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on United Rentals.
Looking at options history for United Rentals (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/URI#NYSE">URI</a>) we detected 9 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 11% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 66% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $68,320 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $1,659,858.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $220.0 to $860.0 for United Rentals over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in United Rentals's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to United Rentals's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $220.0 to $860.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>United Rentals 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735578025_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>URI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$154.4</td>
<td>$148.1</td>
<td>$151.0</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$1.3M</td>
<td align="right">290</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>URI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$152.4</td>
<td>$151.0</td>
<td>$151.0</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$90.5K</td>
<td align="right">290</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>URI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$154.4</td>
<td>$151.0</td>
<td>$151.0</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$75.5K</td>
<td align="right">290</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>URI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$481.4</td>
<td>$477.5</td>
<td>$477.5</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$47.7K</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>URI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$49.8</td>
<td>$45.0</td>
<td>$45.0</td>
<td>$710.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About United Rentals</h3>
United Rentals is the world's largest equipment rental company. It principally operates in the United States and Canada, where it commands approximately 15% share in a highly fragmented market. It serves three end markets: general industrial, commercial construction, and residential construction. Like its peers, United Rentals historically has provided its customers with equipment that was intermittently used, such as aerial equipment and portable generators. As the company has grown organically and through hundreds of acquisitions since it went public in 1997, its catalog (fleet size of $22 billion) now includes a range of specialty equipment and other items that can be rented for indefinite periods.
<h3>United Rentals's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 159,056, the price of URI is down by -0.77%, reaching $711.0.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 23 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on United Rentals</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $975.0.
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 Citigroup persists with their Buy rating on United Rentals, maintaining a target price of $985. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Buy rating for United Rentals, targeting a price of $965. 
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 United Rentals options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

United Rentals Unusual Options Activity For December 30

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WYNN#NASDAQ">WYNN</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 WYNN, 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 Wynn Resorts.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 11% bullish and 66%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $150,490, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $245,525.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $80.0 to $105.0 for Wynn Resorts over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing 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 Wynn Resorts'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 Wynn Resorts's whale activity within a strike price range from $80.0 to $105.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Wynn Resorts Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735578020_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>WYNN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$6.6</td>
<td>$7.03</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$70.3K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WYNN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$11.95</td>
<td>$11.35</td>
<td>$11.42</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$57.0K</td>
<td>73</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WYNN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$0.82</td>
<td>$0.7</td>
<td>$0.72</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$50.4K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WYNN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$43.4K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">103</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WYNN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$8.3</td>
<td>$8.3</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$41.5K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Wynn Resorts</h3>
Wynn Resorts operates luxury casinos and resorts. The company was founded in 2002 by Steve Wynn, the former CEO. The company operates four megaresorts: Wynn Macau and Encore in Macao and Wynn Las Vegas and Encore in Las Vegas. Cotai Palace opened in August 2016 in Macao, and Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts opened June 2019. We expect the company to continue to build nongaming attractions in Macao over the next few years. We model Wynn's managed integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates to open in 2027. The company also operates Wynn Interactive, a digital sports betting and iGaming platform. The company received 76% and 24% of its 2019 prepandemic EBITDA from Macao and the US, respectively.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Wynn Resorts, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Wynn Resorts's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 738,198, with WYNN's price down by -3.16%, positioned at $85.88.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 37 days.</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>.
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 Wynn Resorts with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

WYNN

Wynn Resorts Unusual Options Activity For December 30

Many people struggle with deciding when to start collecting Social Security. It's not just a financial decision; it's a gamble on your health, longevity and even the stock market if you plan to invest. Should you wait to maximize your benefits or claim early and make those dollars work for you? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42691699/i-dont-borrow-money-says-dave-ramsey-even-if-the-offer-is-1-billion-at-0-interest-for-the-next-decade">Dave Ramsey</a> has some loud – and controversial – opinions on the subject.
Ramsey has always been vocal about his disdain for Social Security. In 2019, he referred to it as a "stupid thing" and a "mathematical disaster," claiming the system had been "robbing" him and others for decades. He doesn't tell people to avoid Social Security entirely despite his criticisms. In fact, he recommends taking benefits at age 62 – but only if you're planning to invest every penny of it.
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During another episode of his show that same year, a caller asked Ramsey when the best time to take Social Security would be. Ramsey explained that waiting until 66 or 70 results in higher monthly payments, but there's often a better financial outcome when you claim early and put those payments to work in investments. "The later you start, every year you get more," he said. "But if you run some math out, you can actually run the calculations on their site – it's fairly easy to do." He emphasized that most scenarios favor starting benefits early if you're disciplined about investing the money.
Ramsey broke it down further, saying, "The difference [between taking benefits at 62 versus 66 or 67] could be made up almost every time by taking every dollar from 62 to 66 you get and putting it in a good investment. If the investment returns give you greater than the difference for the rest of your life – almost every time – it makes sense to take it early."
See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a>
For example, according to Ramsey, investing $700 a month from 62 to 77 – about 15 years – could result in over $318,000. He argues that this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40374894/financial-guru-dave-ramsey-advises-take-social-security-at-62-but-this-essential-step-is-non-neg">strategy could outperform</a> waiting for larger payments at full retirement age.&nbsp;
The strategy is bold, but it's not without risks. Critics have pointed out that Ramsey's plan isn't realistic for most retirees. Market returns, while historically positive, aren't guaranteed. Average mutual fund returns hover around 4.67% over two decades, far less than Ramsey's more optimistic projections. Plus, many retirees simply can't afford to invest their Social Security – they need it to pay for essentials like housing, food and health care.
Most financial experts recommend delaying Social Security benefits, especially if you expect to live a long life. Waiting until full retirement age – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39064579/suze-orman-says-70-is-the-new-retirement-age-but-is-she-right">or even age 70 – </a>means higher monthly payments for the rest of your life, which can offer more stability than taking an early, reduced amount.
Trending: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a>
Ramsey's advice is undoubtedly polarizing, but it's not designed for everyone. It's aimed at people with additional income sources, a high tolerance for risk and the discipline to invest consistently. If that's not you, this strategy could leave you worse off.
At the end of the day, deciding when to claim Social Security is a deeply personal choice. It's about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">weighing your financial situation, health and goals</a>. And whether you agree with Ramsey or not, one thing is certain: when it comes to Social Security, you're always taking a gamble. As Ramsey joked to the caller, the "trick to knowing when to take social security is knowing when you're gonna die."&nbsp;
Read Next:
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<li>The number of ‘401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/401k-millionaires"> Here are three ways to join the club.</a></li>
<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>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey Thinks Social Security Is a 'Mathematical Disaster' – But Still Says It Makes More Sense To Take It At 62 'Almost Every Time'

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time high of over 45,000 points in December, one of several stock market indexes to hit records after Donald Trump won the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41857971/trumps-win-sends-wall-street-to-record-highs-small-caps-tesla-outperform-fed-cuts-interest-rates-this-week-in-the-market">2024 presidential election.</a>
Here's a look at the top-performing and worst-performing Dow Jones Industrial Average components in 2024 and how the index's leaders could look much different in 2025.
2024 Performance: In 2024, 18 of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dow-jones-industrial-average">Dow Jones component stocks </a>were up, with 12 stocks declining for the full year. This includes the original Dow Jones members at the start of 2024 and does not factor in the index changes made throughout the year.
Here's a look at the top five gainers for the full year, based on Dec. 27 closing prices:
<ol>
<li>American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>): +60.7%</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>): +49.4%</li>
<li>JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>): +41.8%</li>
<li>International Business Machines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>): +36.2%</li>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): +32.8%</li>
</ol>
Here are the top five losers for the full year, based on Dec. 27 closing prices:
<ol>
<li>Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDSSQ:WBA): -63.2%</li>
<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>): -59.6%</li>
<li>Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>): -41.9%</li>
<li>Boeing Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>): -30.7%</li>
<li>Nike Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>): -29.6%</li>
</ol>
For comparison, 19 of the Dow Jones components stocks <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36455419/5-biggest-winners-5-biggest-losers-from-dow-jones-industrial-average-in-2023">were up in 2023</a>, with 11 down for the full year.
A quick look at the losers list shows two stocks that are no longer part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, thanks to several changes that took place in 2024 to the 30 core components.
Apple is the only stock to appear on the top gainers list for both 2023 and 2024, ranking fourth in 2023 and fifth in 2024.
Intel was the second-biggest gainer in 2023 before falling in 2024 and turning in the second-worst performance of the 30 stocks. Boeing also flipped from being a top performer, ranking fifth in 2023 to turning in a poor performance in 2024.
Walgreens was the worst-performing Dow Jones stock for the second straight year, but that will be a thing of the past heading into 2025.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/11/41724410/nvidia-joining-dow-jones-industrial-average-where-tech-giant-ranks-in-the-index-why-sh">Nvidia Joining Dow Jones Industrial Average: Where Tech Giant Ranks In The Index, Why Sherwin-Williams Addition Could Be More Important</a>
 What's Next in 2025: After several years of no changes to the 30 components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the well-known market index made multiple changes in 2024.
The index replaced underperforming Walgreens with Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) in February. The index also replaced Intel and Dow Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>) with NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>) respectively.
With the changes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average will now have four of the seven Magnificent 7 stocks heading into 2025 with Amazon, Nvidia, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Apple all included in the Dow.
The stocks that left the Dow Jones in 2024 were among the biggest losers in 2024 for the index, with Walgreens ranking worst for yearly performance, Intel ranking second worst and Dow ranking sixth worst at -27.0%.
The underperformance of several Dow Jones components kept the index down compared to other market barometers. The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), which tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average, is up 14.0% year-to-date in 2024.
For comparison, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index, is up 23.8% year-to-date.
The Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NASDAQ">MAGS</a>), which tracks the Magnificent 7 stocks, is up 68.5% year-to-date.
Having Amazon, Nvidia and Sherwin Williams as components to start 2024 would have made the index's returns look significantly different. While the three stocks that left the index were each down over 25% year-to-date in 2024, here are the year-to-date returns of the replacement stocks in 2024:
<ul>
<li>Amazon: +46.6%</li>
<li>Nvidia: +179.8%</li>
<li>Sherwin-Williams: +11.8%</li>
</ul>
The Dow Jones Industrial Average will look significantly different in 2025 than in previous years, and more changes could be ahead for stocks that have underperformed in the index.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent123024">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Dow Jones 2024 Scoreboard: Top 5 Winners, Losers — And How Amazon, Nvidia Could Reshape 2025

Billionaire investor and former hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller, a confidant of George Soros, is well known for his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42659876/stanley-druckenmiller-pours-funds-into-1-trillion-company-already-trading-up-100">top-down investment style</a> and for paying close attention to macroeconomic factors. 
One of his recent wagers seemingly predicted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 U.S. presidential election</a> ahead of time.
What Happened: According to a 13f filing on Sept. 30, Druckenmiller&#8217;s Duquesne Family Holdings purchased 2,053,323 shares of the SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>) during the quarter. This now carries a market value of around $123 million. The investment represented 3.9% of Duquesne&#8217;s total portfolio.
The ETF tracks regional bank stocks across the U.S. Unlike large banks, regionals have smaller asset bases, are subject to less regulation and operate in only one region or state.
Regional banks could be poised for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42249615/6-regional-bank-stocks-to-buy-before-trump-names-new-sec-leadership">strong legislative tailwinds</a> following President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s inauguration in January. Trump&#8217;s first term brought deregulation of regional banks and several rollbacks of Obama-era banking policy following the 2008 banking crisis. On the flip side, deregulation poses a risk to the financial sector if lax standards lead to crises.
The ETF is trading 6% higher than it did on Sept. 30. On the Wednesday following election day, the ETF traded up over 13% in a single trading period, reflecting market optimism over the industry&#8217;s prospects under a second Trump administration.
Why It Matters: Druckenmiller&#8217;s investment before the election could be seen as a prescient bet that Trump would win. In October, Druckenmiller said that the market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41448443/market-very-convinced-of-a-trump-win-says-stanley-druckenmiller-why-billionaire-investor-thinks-blue">was &#8220;very convinced&#8221;</a> of a Trump victory. 
It is unclear whether the Bowdoin College and University of Michigan alumnus bought more shares of the ETF between the third-quarter reporting date and the election.
Price-to-book metrics are generally considered more relevant to analyzing bank market valuations. On Monday, the Regional Bank ETF traded 1.1 times its book value. 
Wall Street&#8217;s valuation of regionals has largely rebounded since 2023&#8217;s banking crisis, which saw Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank go under. The ETF traded 0.7 times above the book value in April of 2023. During Trump&#8217;s first term, the ETF traded as high as 1.6 times above book value, reflecting market confidence.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42627207/stanley-druckenmillers-top-holding-has-outperformed-its-sector-by-252">Stanley Druckenmiller&#8217;s Top Holding Has Outperformed Its Sector By 252%</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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