Simplify Exchange Traded Funds Simplify MBS ETF (ARCA: MTBA)

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Simplify Exchange Traded Funds Simplify MBS ETF

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80 percent of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes in mortgage-backed securities. The Fund defines MBS as any agency or non-agency residential or commercial mortgage-backed security and any futures contract, forward agreement, swap contract, or option linked to the preceding The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing primarily in MBSs issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. 

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With fund flow into hedge fund-like ETFs increasingly, will it pressure hedge funds to lower fees?

Hedge Fund Strategies Are Getting ETF-ed: Are Lower Fees Inevitable?

Citigroup analyst James Hardiman maintains Polaris (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PII#NYSE">PII</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $96 to $86.

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Citigroup Maintains Neutral on Polaris, Lowers Price Target to $86

Citigroup analyst James Hardiman maintains BRP (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOOO#NASDAQ">DOOO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $73 to $80.

DOOO

Citigroup Maintains Buy on BRP, Raises Price Target to $80

The NCAA football season, which begins on Aug. 24, is a highly anticipated event for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting">sports bettors.</a>
Here's a look at the betting favorites and the best teams ranked by a new college football video game.
What Happened: The 2024-2025 NCAA Football season will be the first to see an expanded 12-team playoff field, which adds to the opportunities for teams and for bettors. ESPN, a unit of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37833960/disneys-espn-college-football-playoff-reach-new-agreement-whats-going-on">will cover</a> the playoff games.
Here are the current betting odds from DraftKings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>) to win the 2024-2025 NCAA Football Championship.
<ol>
<li>Georgia: +320</li>
<li>Ohio State: +400</li>
<li>Texas: +750</li>
<li>Oregon: +850</li>
<li>Alabama: +1,400</li>
<li>Ole Miss: +1,500</li>
<li>LSU: +1,600</li>
<li>Florida State: +2,200</li>
<li>Penn States: +2,200</li>
<li>Notre Dame: +2,500</li>
<li>Michigan: +2,500</li>
</ol>
Georgia was a popular betting pick to win a third-straight championship last year. The team was left out of the then four-team playoff after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
Michigan won last year's National Championship, but saw the exit of several players for the 2024 NFL Draft and its head coach Jim Harbaugh also move on to the NFL via the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching position.
Interestingly enough, Alabama has its worst preseason championship betting odds since 2008, which comes after making last year's playoffs.
As <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/2024-2025-college-football-odds-alabama-preseason-title-odds-lowest-since-2008">reported </a>by Fox Sports, the +1,400 figure is the lowest for Alabama to start a season in years. The low odds come after long time head coach Nick Saban retired at the end of last season.
Saban led Alabama for 17 seasons and went 206-29 over his time leading the team, a 87% winning percentage. Saban won six National Championships with Alabama.
Alabama turns to former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer who turned around the Huskies from a 4-8 record in 2021 to 11-2 and 14-1 records in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Washington lost to Michigan in the national championship game for the 2023-2024 season.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/01/36805751/analysis-jim-harbaughs-revived-nfl-ambitions-now-that-hes-won-the-college-championship-can-he-win-">Analysis: Jim Harbaugh&#8217;s Revived NFL Ambitions — Now That He&#8217;s Won The College Championship, Can He Win A Super Bowl?</a>
Video Game Predictions: For the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/02/37172804/college-football-video-game-fans-rejoice-eas-ncaa-game-is-almost-here">first time since 2013</a>, video game fans and college football fans had a new NCAA Football game to play on Monday. "EA Sports College Football 25" was released on Monday by Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) and saw server overload due to strong demand.
As gamers look to pick their favorite team or local team to play games or season modes, they can also consider playing with one of the best ranked teams in the game. Here are the top-<a href="https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-college-football/college-football-25/news/college-football-25-rankings-week-showcase">ranked </a>teams in this year's NCAA Football game.
<ul>
<li>Georgia: 95</li>
<li>Ohio State: 93</li>
<li>Oregon: 93</li>
<li>Alabama: 92</li>
<li>Texas: 92</li>
<li>Clemson: 90</li>
<li>Notre Dame: 90</li>
<li>LSU: 90</li>
<li>Penn State: 88</li>
<li>Utah: 88</li>
<li>Michigan: 88</li>
<li>Florida State: 88</li>
<li>Miami: 88</li>
<li>Texas A&amp;M: 88</li>
<li>Ole Miss: 88</li>
</ul>
Of the top-ranked teams, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, Texas and Clemson also rank in the top 10 for both offense and defense in the game.
This could suggest that those teams have a good chance of winning this year's NCAA Football Championship.
Georgia ranks first for offense and second for defense. Ohio State has the best defense ranking in the game and ranks fifth for their offense. Alabama ranks ahead of Texas in the game. It has the second-best offense score and third-best defense score.
One of the teams that stands out is Clemson, who ranks sixth overall and also ranks fifth for defense (90) and 10th for defense (87). Clemson currently has odds of +4,000 to win the NCAA Championship and odds of +190 to make the playoffs after a 9-4 record last season. The vide game suggests their team could be better than their betting odds.
Utah ranks high in the video game with an 88 score and also ranks 10th best for defense (88). Betting odds for Utah are +6,000 to win a National Championship and +220 to make the playoffs.
Colorado,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/23/08/34154501/alabama-to-win-ncaa-football-championship-this-bettor-will-become-a-millionaire-if-it-happ"> a popular bet</a> last season, saw increased betting activity thanks to head coach Deion Sanders and national media attention. The new game ranks the team with an 87. It has the eighth-best offense score at 89. 
Dual-threat Travis Hunter leads the team with a 95 score. Shedeur Sanders ties for the best quarterback ranking at 93.
The game suggests that Colorado's team could improve on their 4-8 record from last season and be one of the best teams in the league. The betting odds are +25,000 for Colorado to win the championship and +1,400 to make the playoffs.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/02/37292071/game-on-or-sellout-this-is-how-much-ea-sports-offers-college-football-players-for-their-likeness">Game On Or Sellout? This Is How Much EA Sports Offers College Football Players For Their Likeness</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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DKNG

College Football Championship Betting Odds: Can New EA Sports Video Game Predict A Winner?

Morgan Stanley analyst John Glass maintains Bloomin Brands (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLMN#NASDAQ">BLMN</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $26 to $22.

BLMN

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on Bloomin Brands, Lowers Price Target to $22

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C J Muse reiterates GLOBALFOUNDRIES (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFS#NASDAQ">GFS</a>) with a Neutral and maintains $55 price target.

Reiteration

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Neutral on GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Maintains $55 Price Target

WIIM

BLDR

LEN/B

Shares of building companies and homebuilders are trading higher after store sales of building material and garden supplies rose 1.4% in June.

Citigroup analyst Keith Horowitz maintains Goldman Sachs Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $460 to $485.

Citigroup Maintains Neutral on Goldman Sachs Gr, Raises Price Target to $485

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on GEO Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEO#NYSE">GEO</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 GEO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 10 options trades for GEO Group.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 50% bullish and 50%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $376,000, and 9, calls, for a total amount of $403,785.
<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 $15.0 to $22.0 for GEO Group over the last 3 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 GEO Group'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 GEO Group's whale activity within a strike price range from $15.0 to $22.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>GEO Group 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721146561_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 style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>GEO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.76</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$376.0K</td>
<td>226</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$88.8K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">206</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$59.4K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$0.2</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$56.6K</td>
<td>409</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$2.65</td>
<td>$2.75</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$51.4K</td>
<td>423</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About GEO Group</h3>
The GEO Group Inc specializes in detention facilities and community reentry centers. It operates in four segments: U.S. Secure Services, which mainly encompasses U.S.-based secure services business; Electronic Monitoring and Supervision Services, which conducts its services in the United States, represents services provided to adults for monitoring services and evidence-based supervision and treatment programs for community-based parolees, probationers, and pretrial defendants; Reentry Services conducts its services in the United States represents services provided to adults for residential and non-residential treatment, educational and community-based programs, pre-release and half-way house programs; and International Services.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with GEO Group, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>GEO Group's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,263,146, the GEO's price is up by 2.12%, now at $17.8. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 22 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for GEO Group</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $18.75.
<ul>
<li>In a cautious move, an analyst from Jones Trading downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $18. </li>
</ul>
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 GEO Group, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

A Closer Look at GEO Group's Options Market Dynamics

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on FedEx. Our analysis of options history for FedEx (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) revealed 17 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 47% of traders were bullish, while 29% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $198,825, and 12 were calls, valued at $1,413,922.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $240.0 to $330.0 for FedEx during the past quarter. 
<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 FedEx'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 FedEx's whale trades within a strike price range from $240.0 to $330.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>FedEx 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721146556_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 style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>FDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.44</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$444.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">765</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">379</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$77.0</td>
<td>$75.0</td>
<td>$75.05</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$375.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">191</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$31.6</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$169.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">698</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$75.0</td>
<td>$73.4</td>
<td>$75.0</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$75.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">191</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$75.0</td>
<td>$73.5</td>
<td>$75.0</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$75.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">191</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About FedEx</h3>
FedEx pioneered overnight delivery in 1973 and remains the world's largest express package provider. In its fiscal 2024, which ended May 2024, FedEx derived 47% of revenue from its express division, 37% from ground, and 10% from freight, its asset-based less-than-truckload shipping segment. The remainder comes from other services, including FedEx Office, which provides document production/shipping, and FedEx Logistics, which provides global forwarding. FedEx acquired Dutch parcel delivery firm TNT Express in 2016, boosting the firm's presence across Europe. TNT was previously the fourth-largest global parcel delivery provider.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding FedEx, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>FedEx's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,029,043, the price of FDX is up 2.44% at $312.46. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 64 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for FedEx</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 $333.6.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Raymond James has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on FedEx, which currently sits at a price target of $335. </li>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Stifel lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $327.</li>
<li>An analyst from B of A Securities has decided to maintain their Buy rating on FedEx, which currently sits at a price target of $347. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Equal-Weight rating on FedEx with a target price of $300. </li>
<li>Showing optimism, an analyst from JP Morgan upgrades its rating to Overweight with a revised price target of $359. </li>
</ul>
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 FedEx options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on FDX Options

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on JPMorgan Chase.
Looking at options history for JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) we detected 39 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 53% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 35% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 10 are puts, for a total amount of $2,028,761 and 29, calls, for a total amount of $1,762,462.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $175.0 and $240.0 for JPMorgan Chase, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</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 JPMorgan Chase's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to JPMorgan Chase's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $175.0 to $240.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>JPMorgan Chase Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721146551_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>JPM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$11.4</td>
<td>$11.05</td>
<td>$11.35</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$1.4M</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$7.95</td>
<td>$7.93</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$232.3K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>238</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$3.85</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$193.0K</td>
<td>7.4K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$6.35</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$6.11</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$123.5K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
<td>407</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$10.45</td>
<td>$10.35</td>
<td>$10.45</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$122.2K</td>
<td>782</td>
<td>124</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About JPMorgan Chase</h3>
JPMorgan Chase is one of the largest and most complex financial institutions in the United States, with nearly $3.9 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments--consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, and asset and wealth management. JPMorgan operates, and is subject to regulation, in multiple countries.
Having examined the options trading patterns of JPMorgan Chase, 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 JPMorgan Chase</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 4,193,897, with JPM's price up by 0.75%, positioned at $211.63.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 87 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on JPMorgan Chase</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $223.0.
<ul>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Jefferies keeps a Buy rating on JPMorgan Chase with a target price of $239. </li>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their Outperform rating on JPMorgan Chase, maintaining a target price of $210. </li>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Piper Sandler lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $230.</li>
<li>An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on JPMorgan Chase, which currently sits at a price target of $221. </li>
<li>An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Neutral rating on JPMorgan Chase, maintaining a target price of $215. </li>
</ul>
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 JPMorgan Chase options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

This Is What Whales Are Betting On JPMorgan Chase

Morgan Stanley analyst Brian Harbour maintains Portillos (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTLO#NASDAQ">PTLO</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $15 to $13.

PTLO

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on Portillos, Lowers Price Target to $13

Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Bedell maintains BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $924 to $912.

Deutsche Bank Maintains Buy on BlackRock, Lowers Price Target to $912

Deutsche Bank analyst Corinne Blanchard maintains Constellium (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSTM#NYSE">CSTM</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $24.5 to $24.

CSTM

Deutsche Bank Maintains Buy on Constellium, Lowers Price Target to $24

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C J Muse maintains Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $1875 to $2000.

AVGO

Cantor Fitzgerald Maintains Overweight on Broadcom, Raises Price Target to $2000

Deutsche Bank analyst Lauren Silberman maintains Yum Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $148 to $143.

Deutsche Bank Maintains Hold on Yum Brands, Lowers Price Target to $143

Citigroup analyst Jon Tower maintains McDonald's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $297 to $280.

Citigroup Maintains Neutral on McDonald's, Lowers Price Target to $280

As the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39669863/4-option-trading-strategies-goldman-sachs-recommends-ahead-of-summer-earnings-seaso"> Q2 earnings season approaches</a>, Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Uber Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NASDAQ">UBER</a>), and Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Google&#8217;s parent company, are emerging as standout picks. 
JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth highlights Amazon, Uber, and Google as top picks as we approach the Q2 2024 earnings season. Despite the mixed performance of the internet sector so far this year, Anmuth remains optimistic about these large-cap names, even as some concerns about elevated expectations and potential consumer spending slowdowns in the second half of the year persist.
Let&#8217;s dive into what makes each of these stocks the analysts&#8217; top picks:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Amazon: Steady Growth and Strong Free Cash Flow</h2>
Amazon remains Anmuth's favorite stock, both in the near and long term. 
The company is well-positioned for continued growth in its core areas, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its retail operations. Anmuth anticipates a near-term acceleration in AWS, with a projected 20% growth in Q4 2024, driven by easing optimizations, new workload migrations, and the ramping of GenAI monetization.
He expects Amazon's North America operating income (OI) margin to expand by 190 basis points in 2024, supported by improvements in shipping and inventory placement, automation, and advertising. Amazon's free cash flow is projected to reach $66 billion in 2024 and $86 billion in 2025. 
For Q2, Anmuth says investors expect net sales of between $148 billion and $150 billion and operating income of $14 billion to $15 billion or more.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39779244/tesla-threat-reduced-for-uber-and-lyft-stocks-also-benefit-from-higher-prices-and-shorter-wait-times">Tesla Threat Reduced For Uber And Lyft , Stocks Also Benefit from Higher Prices and Shorter Wait Times: Analyst</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Google &#8211; GenAI Offensive, Margin Expansion</h2>
Google's strong performance is highlighted by its offensive stance in Generative AI (GenAI), meaningful margin expansion, and a favorable advertising backdrop. 
The company&#8217;s stock is near all-time highs and continues to benefit from strong Search and YouTube revenue growth. Google's progress in GenAI, coupled with better-than-expected ad revenue, has boosted investor sentiment.
Anmuth's projections for Alphabet include a 13% year-over-year FX-neutral revenue growth and a GAAP operating income margin of 30.8%, reflecting a 140 basis point improvement. 
However, the upcoming decision on the DOJ search distribution trial remains a significant concern.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Uber &#8211; Resilient Demand, Profitability Initiatives</h2>
Uber stands out in the rides and food delivery sector, which has faced recent pressures due to various factors, including noise around Tesla Inc's robotaxi event and weaker restaurant traffic data. Despite these challenges, Uber's rideshare indicators remain strong, with accelerating MAU growth potentially driving further mobility growth.
Anmuth highlights Uber's commitment to profitability and shareholder returns. The company has consistently beaten its EBITDA guidance and recently emphasized greater accuracy in its projections. Uber has also initiated a buyback program, with Anmuth estimating a $7 billion buyback over three years, possibly completed in two years.
For Q2, Uber's rideshare business is expected to show a 26% year-over-year growth in gross bookings, while the food delivery segment may face some pressure from weaker restaurant traffic, potentially affecting the 17.5% year-over-year growth forecast for delivery gross bookings.
Anmuth remains positive on the internet sector as a whole, noting the bifurcated performance year-to-date, with a market cap-weighted average gain of 30% versus a 3% decline in the overall coverage universe. As the earnings season kicks off, investors will be closely watching these large-cap internet names for their continued growth and resilience amid evolving market dynamics.
Amazon, Uber, and Google are well-positioned heading into Q2 2024 earnings, supported by solid underlying trends, strategic growth initiatives, and strong financial performance, making them top picks for investors according to JPMorgan.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39779768/googles-poker-move-with-wiz-could-be-the-kick-off-for-big-tech-m-a-in-2025-analyst">Google&#8217;s &#8216;Poker Move&#8217; With Wiz Could Be The Kickoff For Big Tech M&amp;A In 2025: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Q2 Earnings Preview: Why Amazon, Uber, Google Are JPMorgan's Top Picks

Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Mullen maintains Texas Roadhouse (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXRH#NASDAQ">TXRH</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $190 to $193.

TXRH

Deutsche Bank Maintains Buy on Texas Roadhouse, Raises Price Target to $193

In a new<a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/07/15/disrupt-and-vilify/war-immigrants-inside-us-war-drugs"> joint report</a>, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) reveal the severe impact of federal drug prohibition on immigrant deportations. As reported by <a href="https://www.cultivated.news/p/federal-prohibition-lead-to-deportations">Cultivated News</a>, between 2002 and 2020, more than 500,000 immigrants were deported for drug offenses, many of which are no longer criminalized under state law. Of these cases, more than 47,000 were related to cannabis possession.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Human Consequences Of Conflicting Laws</h3>
&#8220;Drug reform policies are not inclusive and equitable unless they address harms to immigrants,&#8221; stated Maritza Perez Medina, DPA&#8217;s director of federal affairs.
Vicki Gaubeca, HRW's associate US director for immigration and border policy, emphasized the human cost. &#8220;Why should parents or grandparents be deported away from children in their care for decades-old drug offenses, including offenses that would be legal today?&#8221;
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39783547/physician-condemns-californias-confusing-hemp-regulations-impacting-pediatric-cbd-for-seizure-tr">Physician Condemns California&#8217;s Confusing Hemp Regulations Impacting Pediatric CBD For Seizure Treatment</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Federal vs. State Law Discrepancy</h3>
Although many states have reformed their drug laws, including decriminalization or legalization of cannabis, federal immigration laws have remained punitive for drug offenses since the 1980s. This discrepancy results in the continued deportation of immigrants for minor drug offenses, which are often no longer criminal under state law.
The report underscores the real human consequences of the conflict between state and federal laws on cannabis, highlighting how federal laws ignore state-level reforms and continue to impose severe penalties on immigrants.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Racial Discrimination And Family Separation</h3>
The continued deportation of immigrants for drug offenses not only undermines state-level reforms, but perpetuates racial discrimination. The paper notes the resulting disproportionate impact on Black and Brown immigrants, which ultimately contributes to family separation and community destabilization. Ongoing policies do not capture the change in public opinion toward more humane drug policies, especially around cannabis.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Calls for Federal Reform and Judicial Discretion</h3>
HRW and DPA call for federal law to align with state-level drug reforms to prevent unnecessary suffering and disruption of immigrant lives. They recommend giving more discretion to immigration judges in deportation cases and suggest applying state drug laws to noncitizens.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39798537/trumps-running-mate-jd-vance-on-cannabis-legalization-and-banking-reform-not-quite-yes-but-not-e">Trump&#8217;s Running Mate JD Vance On Cannabis Legalization And Banking Reform: Not Quite Yes, But Not Exactly No</a></li>
</ul>
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Fed Drug Laws Result In Over A Half-Million Deportations Amid State Reforms

Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Mullan maintains Starbucks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $89 to $85.

SBUX

Deutsche Bank Maintains Hold on Starbucks, Lowers Price Target to $85

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Simplify Launches the MTBA ETF, Revolutionizing Exposure to Mortgage-Backed Securities

Simplify Provides Estimated Capital Gain Distribution Information for 2023

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As institutional money increasingly flows into ETFs, market watcjers are beginning to question whether the high fees charged by hedge fund managers <a href="http://benzinga.com/general/hedge-funds">are still justifiable.</a>



A tweet by <a href="https://twitter.com/choffstein/status/1722982594361364880?s=20">Corey Hoffstein</a> highlighted that the Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long Short ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQLS#NYSE">EQLS</a>) (expense ratio = 1%) recently bagged $104 million from General Electric&#8217;s pension fund. Earlier, Michigan&#8217;s pension fund had also put in $364 million in another of Simplify&#8217;s ETFs. 



Given the state of the mortgage market, Simplify has recently launched its Simplify MBS ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTBA#NYSE">MTBA</a>) investing in mortgage-backed securities (MBS), as <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2023-11-07/simplify-launches-the-mtba-etf-revolutionizing-exposure-to-mortgage-backed-securities">reported</a> by Bloomberg. The fund seeks to provide attractive yields versus comparable U.S. Treasuries while carrying little to no credit risk.



Related: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/23/11/b35643644/simplify-launches-the-mtba-etf-revolutionizing-exposure-to-mortgage-backed-securities">Simplify Launches the MTBA ETF, Revolutionizing Exposure to Mortgage-Backed Securities</a>



Simplify&#8217;s website <a href="https://www.simplify.us/our-mission">states</a> that their ETF strategies are designed to &#8220;efficiently hedge portfolios against rising interest rates, generate risk-managed income, gain exposure to alternatives.&#8221; Through their institutional-grade alternative investment strategies, Simplify is offering investors a low-cost and transparent investment vehicle, as compared to investing in hedge funds.



Another ETF that mimics a hedge fund, the iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBMF#NYSE">DBMF</a>) (ER= 0.85%) &#8220;<a href="https://imgpfunds.com/im-dbi-managed-futures-strategy-etf/">seeks</a> to replicate the pre-fee performance of leading managed futures hedge funds and outperform through fee/expense disintermediation.&#8221; The ETF is part of the iMGP Funds portfolio.



DBMF began in 2022 with just $60 million in assets, but now boasts more than $834 billion in assets under management. Along the same lines, the First Trust Managed Futures Strategy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FMF#NYSE">FMF</a>) (ER = 0.95%) with $162 million in assets, and the Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTA#NYSE">CTA</a>) (ER = 0.78%) with $159 million AUM are all attracting institutional money now.



The KFA Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMLM#NYSE">KMLM</a>) (ER = 0.90%) is another hedge fund strategy mimicking investment vehicle which has been quick to garner $295 million in AUM. The WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTMF#NYSE">WTMF</a>) (ER=0.65%) is yet another example.



A key reason for the influx of institutional funds into these ETFs is hedge fund fees. Hedge funds typically charge 2% of the fund&#8217;s net asset value as a management fee, along with a performance fee of 20% of the fund&#8217;s profit. Given that strategy-mimicking ETFs charge less than 1% in fees, it&#8217;s conceivable that investor sentiment might drive these fees even lower.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/hedge-funds/23/10/35247416/sec-mandates-hedge-funds-to-disclose-short-positions-following-gamestop-frenzy">SEC Mandates Hedge Funds To Disclose Short Positions Following GameStop Frenzy</a>



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Simplify Exchange Traded Funds Simplify MBS ETF

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Latest news for Simplify Exchange Traded Funds Simplify MBS ETF (ARCA:MTBA)

Friday, November 10, 2023