Point To Point Methodics Stock (OTC: PPMH)

Latest news for Point To Point Methodics (OTC:PPMH) Stock

Point To Point Methodics Inc is focused on innovation and enterprise by acquiring, managing, and operating technology-based companies for growth within the industry. The company's products and services span the following markets: Automotive, Business Intelligence, Digital Sociology, Educational Applications, Game Applications, Homeland Security, Informational Understanding, Mobile Applications, Mobile Mapping, Public Safety, and Social Media. It serves both domestic and international markets.

POINT TO POINT METHODICS by Point to Point Methodics, Inc.

Point To Point Methodics Inc

Small Cap Consumer Research analyst Eric Beder maintains Vera Bradley (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRA#NASDAQ">VRA</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $10 to $6.

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Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Small Cap Consumer Research Maintains Buy on Vera Bradley, Lowers Price Target to $6

Deutsche Bank analyst Corinne Blanchard maintains ESS Tech (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWH#NYSE">GWH</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $2 to $1.4.

Deutsche Bank Maintains Hold on ESS Tech, Lowers Price Target to $1.4

The UK and EU are trying to catch up with the US in building their respective Consolidated Tapes (CT). The US has no intention to slow down and wait for the Europeans in market data reforms. Yet, the US <a href="https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/opinions.nsf/265FAD4E1FDE293F85258876004F2CF9/$file/21-1167-1953361.pdf">D.C. Circuit ruling in July 2022</a> weakens the already weak proposition of the SEC's governance requirements over the equity CT-Plan. The US decentralized competing model (DCM) of 2/3 Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) and 1/3 non-SROs representation in the operating committee cannot be executed. The SEC prescribed minimum terms and conditions (T&amp;C) for CT-Plan Version 2 in replacing the non-SRO representation provisions are ineffective (see <a href="https://www.databoiler.com/index_htm_files/DataBoiler%20SEC%2020240226%20V2CTPlan.pdf">this</a>). The SEC has until <a href="https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/sro/nms/2024/34-100500.pdf">September 21, 2024</a>, to determine whether to approve or disapprove it. &nbsp;
Improving the capabilities of the Financial Instruments Transparency System (FITRS) that hosts the results of the MiFID transparency calculations in the UK and EU has stirred up much debate. Various stakeholders (<a href="https://www.icmagroup.org/assets/documents/Regulatory/Quarterly_Reports/ICMA-Quarterly-Report-Q3-2024.pdf">ICMA</a>, <a href="https://www.amf-france.org/en/news-publications/publications/reports-research-and-analysis/bond-transparency-how-calibrate-publication-deferrals">AMF</a>, <a href="https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/library/esma70-154-165_smsc_opinion_transparency_third_countries.pdf">ESMA</a>, <a href="https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp23-32.pdf">FCA</a>) are conducting qualitative and quantitative assessments to decide the liquid classes of financial instruments, particularly for bonds. The industry is looking at the regulators to be the referee, while the regulators are asking the Data Expert Group (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/members/consult?memberId=131743&amp;memberTypeId=3&amp;lang=en&amp;fromExpertGroups=3938">DEG</a>) to propose recommendations. Liquidity is a highly subjective moot point. Learning from the US <a href="https://www.sec.gov/spotlight/fixed-income-advisory-committee/transparency-panel-venkataraman-may-2020.pdf">FINRA's TRACE recalibration</a> to formulate a strategy to suit the issuers and the investors' appetites would help. Though, regulators should not be finessing the calibration.
Given the stages of development and current market structure differences for equity and non-equity markets, the definition of ‘real time' for equity CT should NOT be the same for bonds. Doing so could be a detriment to the fixed income markets' liquidity. The <a href="https://www.sifma.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SIFMA-Letter-to-SEC-on-Institution-of-Proceedings-on-1_Minute-Trade-Reporting-Final.pdf">US proposed rule</a> to reduce the 15-minute FINRA's TRACE reporting timeframe to 1-minute is problematic. We cannot comprehend why the ESMA in the&nbsp; EU maybe going cheap while <a href="https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-05/ESMA74-2134169708-7225_-_MiFIR_MiFID_Review_-_CP_on_CTPs_and_DRSPs.pdf">soliciting public comments</a> that stated, "in light of cost efficiency considerations, ESMA recognizes the potential benefits of establishing a single set of requirements applicable across the three asset classes. This approach would streamline compliance efforts for data contributors reporting to multiple CTPs across various asset classes, promoting operational efficiency and reducing administrative burdens."
According to an <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165176597002930">empirical study</a>, minimum requirements for the technical criteria are barriers to innovation. Potential bidders to become CT Providers (CTPs) in the UK and EU, or Competing Consolidators (CCs) in the US, would prioritize compliance over creativity. Its focus is on meeting regulatory requirements rather than exploring better ways to address problems (e.g. <a href="https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/library/2015/11/2015-esma-1464_annex_i_-_draft_rts_and_its_on_mifid_ii_and_mifir.pdf">RTS-13 Article 10</a> incomplete or potentially erroneous information a.k.a. data quality issues + security and synchronization challenge amid aggregation distance/ location differential issues). <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/keeping-time-with-amazon-time-sync-service/">Amazon Time Sync Service</a> provides time synchronization over Network Time Protocols. It has an observed accuracy of around 400 microseconds. Yet, multicast is not readily available in the public cloud. It has security and other complex issues. Why not learn from the current practices of High Frequency Trading firms/ self-aggregators when pursuing sub-microsecond precision?
Ecosystem degradation happens when damage is inflicted on others. Such damage can be in form of delayed access to information by subscribers of the public SIPs / CTPs, while trading venues' (TVs) proprietary products (PPs) are unreasonably priced that <a href="https://www.cass.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/366599/sale-price-information-cass-knowledge.pdf">optimally allow access</a> to only by few elite players. It can also take the form of under developing the public SIP / CT feeds in favor of self-interest to promote PPs. Ecosystem degradation can also result in high barriers of entry, in which one must rely on certain tools (e.g., smart order routers, transaction cost analyzers, liquidity sourcing, outsourced execution services) to have a reasonable chance to survive in the market.
The UK is a few months ahead of the EU in consultation on improving <a href="https://www.databoiler.com/index_htm_files/DataBoiler%20FCA%2020240306%20CP2332.pdf">markets' transparency</a>. The FCA is "prioritizing the benefits of immediacy of price publication over full disclosure of traded volume." Fragmentation is inevitable under Brexit. Although the FCA's efforts in collaborating with the industry to hash out many details for what they want in the CTs is applaudable. We strongly disagree with LSEG's attempt to deter regulatory consideration of a market-wide request for a pre-trade equities CT (see <a href="https://www.thetradenews.com/blog/agree-to-disagree-on-lsegs-view-on-uk-consolidated-tape-for-equities/">this</a>).
Putting it in layperson terms, the <a href="https://www.londonstockexchange.com/discover/news-and-insights/uk-consolidated-tape-equities-view-london-stock-exchange">LSEG</a> and <a href="https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/NYSE_Price_Improvement_202208.pdf">NYSE</a> <a href="https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/Tick_Constrained_Stocks.pdf">studies</a> are about ‘queuing and wait time at the checkout counters'.&nbsp; We think slippage and other phenomena are related to the capabilities differences between lit Exchanges, Multilateral Trading Facilities (MTFs), Systematic Internalizers (SIs), and Single Dealer Platforms (SDPs). The relative AVAILABILITY and price difference of mass market products (e.g., CT) versus TVs' PPs and Approved Publication Arrangements' (APAs) value-added services (VAS) is key. If the Have-Nots are willing to commit their limited resources to compete with the Haves, they should be given affordable and comparable choices.
Transmission and Availability are two different things. It is worth rethinking whether data should be required to be sent to the CTP and the whole concept of "Trade Reporting". Instead of "SEND", "OBTAIN" or read-only permission to "wiretap" data legally at its source is a better approach. Wiretapping is the fastest approach and would eliminate the intermediaries. In addition, it has the following advantages:
<ul>
<li>Benefits of Consistency – the economy of scale for centralized data management, minimize data-in-motion for cybersecurity and privacy protection, data quality is no longer a problem because what being shared is fair to everyone, avoid conflicts/ arbitrations between multiple versions of truths.</li>
<li>Prevents a single point of failure – when one intermediary is down, X # of Investment Firms (IFs)' data would be missing. While one IF's connection with CTP is down, the implication is far less. When the CTP is down, the experience will be consistent for everyone, rather than some having the information, and some do not. </li>
<li>Values of Bespoke Model connecting to everyone – enable the direct administration and enforcement of rights and obligations, mass customization through the powerful infrastructure, no melding nor favoritism by intermediaries to distort or subjectively allocate incentives.</li>
</ul>
The &#8220;same manner same method&#8221; provision under the US SEC&#8217;s Market Data Infrastructure Rule (<a href="https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/final/2020/34-90610.pdf">MDIR</a>) ≠Collocation ≠ Latency Equalization ≠ Market Data Available SECURELY in SYNCHRONIZED TIME. The former SEC Chair <a href="https://www.sec.gov/news/speech/2014-spch060514mjw">Mary Jo White</a> has stated the need to "deemphasize speed as a key to trading success." Time-lock encryption protects time sensitive information from being decrypted prematurely. It eliminates the problem of where the CT data center is located.
Who owns the data and who gets what should NOT be dictated by regulators NOR by a small group of people in a "governance committee". Rebate tiering and competitive pricing of different market centers are analogous to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rebate-tiering-competitive-pricing-different-market-centers-kelvin-to-u6l2e/">Private Clubs</a> favoring collaboration / outsourced trading. CT or other financial infrastructures are meant for the long-term. Policy makers should consider TVs as different streaming platforms and recognize the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/noumenon-equity-market-structure-kelvin-to/">noumenon</a> of rebate incentives serves as royalty payments for the use of others' copyrighted material. Healthy development of the industry should NOT only focus on latency or the velocity factor, but also the 3 other aspects of the 4V&#8217;s, namely: veracity, variety, and volume.
Regardless of the US, UK, or EU, dismissing related market structure issues and be short-sighted to do the bare minimum in "<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/up-and-running-consolidated-tape-versus-market-structure-kelvin-to-itlac/">checking the box</a>" for market data reform is indeed a race towards the bottom. It will NOT achieve the goal of "affecting competitive pressures for existing sellers of market data, resulting in cheaper, higher quality and more accessible data for its users." Market reform should be about the divergence between private and <a href="https://iea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/THE%20MYTH%20OF%20SOCIAL%20COST.pdf">social costs</a> to delineate rights and obligations appropriately, as well as addressing <a href="https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/other/2024/34-100556.pdf">extraordinary</a>  <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/volatility-pros-record-vix-surge-152005144.html">market</a> <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/summers-calls-sec-exchanges-probe-164100423.html">volatility</a> (e.g., <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/03/business/nyse-trading-glitch-berkshire-hathaway.html">Berkshire</a>, <a href="https://www.henricodolfing.com/2019/06/project-failure-case-study-knight-capital.html">Knight Capital</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/one-year-after-nickel-fiasco-lme-left-with-multiple-headaches-2023-03-08/">LME</a>, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/comments/4-631/4631-39.pdf">Flash</a> <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/24/a-short-history-of-stock-market-crashes.html">Crashes</a>, <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/3868825-meme-stocks-blast-higher-as-short-squeeze-warning-bells-go-off">MEME stocks phenomenon</a>,  and <a href="https://www.tradersmagazine.com/featured_articles/brokerage-outages-highlight-vulnerabilities-in-the-infrastructure-of-online-trading-platforms/">other vulnerabilities</a>), amid transition <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-latency-ai-algo-driven-capital-markets-kelvin-to-xu5te/">from latency to A.I. algo driven markets</a>.

Eurozone

Markets

General

Race To The Bottom For Market Data Reform

WIIM

Transocean shares are trading higher after the company secured a $232 million contract with BP for the Deepwater Atlas in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDXXF#OTC">MDXXF</a>), a Toronto-based biotechnology company, has secured a contract to supply MDMA for a clinical trial conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it expands its role in providing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mdma">MDMA</a> and its novel derivatives for scientific and medical research. PharmAla specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of LaNeo MDMA and related <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mdxx-class-molecules">MDXX class molecules</a>, which have garnered attention for their potential in therapeutic applications.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Supplying Johns Hopkins With GMP Certified MDMA</h3>
The CEO of PharmAla Biotech, Nicholas Kadysh, expressed the company's commitment to supporting groundbreaking research globally. &#8220;We're looking forward to continuing to provide exceptional service – as well as robust investigational drug product – to researchers in the US and around the world,&#8221; Kadysh <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/09/11/2944493/0/en/PharmAla-to-supply-Johns-Hopkins-Medicine-for-Clinical-Trial.html">stated</a>. PharmAla's reputation for producing GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) MDMA that meets stringent regulatory standards, including those set by the U.S. <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/09/11/2944493/0/en/PharmAla-to-supply-Johns-Hopkins-Medicine-for-Clinical-Trial.html">Food and Drug Administration (FDA</a>), has positioned the company as a key player in the field.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contract Termination With Red Light Holland</h3>
In a recent update, PharmAla Biotech disclosed the termination of its contract with Red Light Holland (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRUFF#OTC">TRUFF</a>), a partnership that officially ended on September 3, 2024. While the company did not provide details about the reasons behind the termination, the move signals PharmAla&#8217;s strategic shift in focus toward other high-profile collaborations and opportunities.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">PharmAla To Present Research On APA-01 At European Workshop</h3>
In addition to its work with MDMA, PharmAla is excited to share new findings about its proprietary molecule, APA-01, at the upcoming European Behavioural Pharmacology Society (EBPS) Workshop on September 26. Dr. Harpreet Kaur, VP of Research at PharmAla, will present data on APA-01, which is described as an &#8220;entactogen with improved safety pharmacology compared to MDMA.&#8221; Dr. Kaur emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "We are delighted with our acceptance for Hot Topics, a testament to the work we continue to do in identifying and validating novel MDMA-like molecules with improved safety pharmacology."
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Cannabis

Psychedelics

Press Releases

MDXXF

RED LIGHT HOLLAND CORP by Red Light Holland Corp.

TRUFF

PharmAla Biotech Partners With Johns Hopkins University For MDMA Clinical Trials, Terminates Red Light Holland Contract

AES shares are trading higher after Jefferies initiated coverage on the stock with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $20.

Trading models typically contain a set of parameters or conditions that must be met to give trade signals. Some human traders may only use one or two in their models while some quantitative ones may use hundreds.
On the Procter &amp; Gamble Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) chart, two possible parameters can be used as part of a model: the Bollinger Bands and the RSI Indicator. This makes it our &#8220;Stock of the Day.&#8221;
The red line on the price chart is a Bollinger Band. It is two standard deviations above the 20-day moving average.
This is important. Standard deviations are a statistical concept and many trading algorithms and strategies are based on statistics and probability theory. And they suggest that 95% of all trading should be within two standard deviations of the mean.
If a stock exceeds this threshold to the upside like Proctor and Gamble, it is considered overbought. This will draw sellers into the market because they expect a reversion to the mean or a move lower.
Their selling could push the stock lower. It could be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/09/40817923/eurusd-halted-its-decline-the-market-awaits-us-inflation-data">EUR/USD Halted Its Decline: The Market Awaits US Inflation Data</a>
The bottom half of the chart is the Relative Strength Index (RSI). This is another tool that traders use to determine if a stock is overbought. If the blue line exceeds the horizontal red line, it indicates overbought conditions. This could also draw sellers into the market.
A possible trading signal to sell could be when the Bollinger Bands and the RSI simultaneously show a stock to be overbought.
As you can see on the chart, in late April the stock&#8217;s price exceeded the upper Bollinger Band. However, the RSI did not indicate overbought conditions. This means there would have been no sell signal.
Earlier this month the price exceeded the upper Bollinger Band but RSI did not move above the horizontal line. This means there was no reversal or sell signal.
On Sept.10, both indicators showed the stock to be overbought at the same time. And as you can see, it looks like a reversal has begun and a move lower could follow.
Using two parameters to trigger sell signals can be a profitable way to trade. The chart of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PG">Proctor and Gamble</a> is an illustration of this.
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40815234/dollar-treasury-yields-rise-as-small-caps-fall-august-inflation-crushes-odds-of-50-point-fed-rat">Dollar, Treasury Yields Rise As Small Caps Fall: August Inflation Crushes Odds Of 50-Point Fed Rate Cut</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Technicals

Trading Ideas

Stock Of The Day: Two Indicators Suggest Proctor And Gamble May Have Reversed

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Mike Colonnese reiterates Cleanspark (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>) with a Buy and maintains $27 price target.

Reiteration

CLSK

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Cleanspark, Maintains $27 Price Target

FLNC

Fluence Energy shares are trading higher as clean energy stocks rise following Tuesday's presidential debate.

With <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-presidential-election">the U.S. presidential election</a> weeks away, plenty of volatility catalysts could shift the market despite its solid performance year-to-date.
Cracks in the system have been appearing in recent months. We dive into three: a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40756371/september-volatility-returns-as-labor-cools-bets-on-large-fed-rate-cut-bets-intensify-semiconducto">weakening labor market</a>, Warren Buffett's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40150942/bill-gross-and-warren-buffett-hint-at-bearish-stock-market-future">cautious stance</a>, and the potential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40815794/fed-is-all-clear-for-launch-on-cutting-rates-as-inflation-falls-to-lowest-point-in-">presence of structural inflation</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Labor Revisions Flash Alert</h2>
After last month's labor revision that saw 800,000 fewer jobs added, the August U.S. payroll report came <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40748557/job-creation-falls-short-of-expectations-in-august-unemployment-rate-ticks-lower-">lower than expected</a> at 142,000. 
Still, revisions from previous months paint an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40474742/jobs-data-could-be-off-by-1-million-when-labor-department-revises-figures-what-it-means-for-the-fed">even worse picture</a>.
July's payroll figure was revised from 114,000 to 89,000, and June's number nearly halved from 206,000 to 118,000. This data suggests that the labor market is weaker than expected. It raises questions about whether the August report has been overstated, too.
Furthermore, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/24/08/40258902/the-sahm-rule-employment-and-recession-indicators">the Sahm rule</a>, a recession confirmation tool, has been validated. After a 0.53 reading in July, the data ticked up to 0.57 in August, moving deeper into recession territory.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdFPl8M4IQ9Hx0tuNYNG_9CoIiu26Y6FHQaH2lXTT659lVBFuFN0hGE3d0Vl2ULwA_iwesWcj3VbhWPDody1mNDVSiwN17AAIPoRogoEa0y1v-f79G1Wvt2H0E68A0RIfv2J4jUDi44pK2EDlTSmdfP3GMg?key=r-NPPkzLtnYjKt3jI22qsQ" alt="" /></figure>
Sahm rule and recessions, Source: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/24/08/40258902/the-sahm-rule-employment-and-recession-indicators">Real Investment Advice</a>
Meanwhile, the yield curve has uninverted, with the two-year Treasury yield falling below the 10-year — a move that historically precedes recessions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buffett&#8217;s Cash Pile Sends A Message&nbsp;</h2>
Buffett has been slowly amassing almost $280 billion in cash, controlling over 3% of the T-bill market. In the second quarter, Berkshire Hathaway exited Paramount Global and Snowflake, reduced its position in Chevron, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/08/40303410/warren-buffett-declares-shift-selling-apple-stock-to-invest-in-this-magnificent-megacap-heres-why">nearly halved</a> its huge position in Apple.
Furthermore, in Q3, Buffett started divesting from Bank of America, bringing the stake <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40750695/warren-buffett-trims-bank-of-america-stake-analysts-speculate-why">down to 11.1%</a>. If this stake dips below 10%, the company could quietly exit the stake without disclosing the sale within the current regulatory framework of <a href="https://www.sec.gov/resources-small-businesses/going-public/officers-directors-10-shareholders">two business days</a>.
Buffett&#8217;s cash pile is now closing in on BofA&#8217;s market cap of around $300 billion. Meanwhile, per the bank&#8217;s global research unit — the S&amp;P 500 is determined to be expensive on 19 out of 20 metrics.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdOY94H4_qN7KOHSZXEjl17P8my-kxMPAOp5L2WS_5kyDnogLfIcoIuy1JyPyGoLknEAvmzAJ6Al1dU-575yZzPmz3Nmf0gHO8l5l55p218OFLx7bTmK8E5ZfTrqueQ_wfAJjp26B9rawrHtwTLKVzPM4QC?key=r-NPPkzLtnYjKt3jI22qsQ" alt="" /></figure>
&nbsp;S&amp;P 500 valuation metrics, Source: <a href="https://www.privatebank.bankofamerica.com/articles/market-update.html">BofA Global Research</a>
Thus, it is unsurprising that Buffett struggles to find new investment opportunities.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inflation As A Part Of The New Economy</h2>
While <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40815234/dollar-treasury-yields-rise-as-small-caps-fall-august-inflation-crushes-odds-of-50-point-fed-rat">the latest CPI data print</a> showed a 2.5%, the inflation rate has been slow to decline since FED's last rate hike in July 2023.&nbsp;
In fact, the July inflation rate was 2.89%, almost the same as 2.97% for July 2023. With modest seasonal oscillations, inflation has stabilized, and the market will need more than one data point to confirm a significant decline.
Stable inflation with a restrictive monetary policy means that this inflation could be structural — caused by persistent changes in supply and demand in the economy. In this case, lower supply caused by escalating deglobalization.
In 2023, US imports from China fell by 20% to $427 billion, and the trend might accelerate regardless of who sits in the White House in January. While Former President Trump initiated tariffs on Chinese goods, President Biden has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/05/38760872/us-ready-to-impose-new-tariffs-on-chinas-ev-solar-sectors-could-cause-more-severe-damage-than-last-t">increased tariffs</a> on goods like steel, semiconductors, and EVs — bringing some up to 100%.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXenxt_HjI2_YbsC4xu0iXmSjcVsia-YDqUDkTgAqUSKYiofypPWO9NwClQGUrE41FmYC2v2xORfeNLYXMuj3A-ZXr7u5B_YFSSKqI2ZB8VIz6BhBAOF7IZsP7Os91hykyOsGjhghrURjeoNwwd2lE9CxvQg?key=r-NPPkzLtnYjKt3jI22qsQ" alt="" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with China (2014-2023), Source: <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/277679/total-value-of-us-trade-in-goods-with-china-since-2006/">Statista</a></figcaption></figure>
In the latest newsletter, EDC general partner Lyn Alden argued that the high debt-to-GDP ratio leaves the U.S. economy with two main choices. One is to keep interest very low despite periods of price inflation and debase all currency holders and bondholders.
The second one is to raise interest rates when needed meaningfully and contribute to a fiscal spiral of interest expense, hoping that the productivity growth from emerging technologies (such as AI) would be enough to offset the effect, contributing to the supply of goods and preventing the rapid rise in prices.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/09/40799429/s-p-500-off-to-a-rough-start-in-september-with-historical-trends-suggesting-more-troub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stocks Had Worst Start To September Nearly Ever – Here's Why</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Economics

Three Warning Signals From The Economy Going Into 2025

History also tells us that the bond market tends to be "right" a lot earlier than the stock market. Therefore, the enormous decline in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield that has taken place since late-April (from 4.7% to 3.7%) has been very telling.
The question now is what it&#8217;s telling us. Has inflation come down in a serious way and will continue to drift lower, or is the economy going to slow down in a substantial manner?
Here&#8217;s what it means &#8211; and the one asset class this is really good news for.
Recently, I&#8217;ve been arguing that a decline below the key support level of 3.8% for the 10yr note would be a signal that economic growth is going to slow in a more meaningful way than most economists are thinking right now.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/11131113/Screenshot-2024-09-11-at-10.11.00%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-542927" style="width:862px;height:auto" /></figure>
History tells us that when long-term rates decline somewhat, it doesn't tell us a whole lot about the economy. However, when those yields drop in a major way, like they have over the past six months, it usually indicates a material slowdown in growth. In fact, it usually signals that a recession is coming in the not-too-distant future.
I cannot claim to know whether the recent drop below the key support level of 3.8% means we're headed for a recession, but it is a very good indicator that the slowdown in growth over the rest of this year, and next year, will be at least in-line with what the consensus is looking for right now. Since slower economic growth means lower earnings growth, this particular drop in yields is not very bullish for stocks.
However, it is very bullish for bonds. Therefore, last week's meaningful break below 3.8% is a very good development for fixed income investors. As you can also see from the chart below, the change in trend for the 2-year Treasury note is even more compelling:
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/11131047/Screenshot-2024-09-11-at-10.09.55%E2%80%AFAM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-542926" style="width:866px;height:auto" /></figure>
Having said all this, the 10yr yield (and the 2yr note) is approaching an oversold level. Therefore, it should see a bounce in yields at some point in the coming days or weeks. Even so, last week's meaningful break below 3.8% was an important development on the technical side of things. Unless any upcoming bounce is a very strong and consistent one, it's going to be very bullish for fixed income investors over the rest of this year (and likely into next year).
No market moves in a straight line, but bond yields sure look like they're headed for another leg lower, and thus bond prices are very likely headed for another leg higher!
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/turning-point-trader-checkout-1/?t=tutu3spmiretp6&amp;utm_source=RD-0911">Matt Maley the CNBC Wall Street Expert Reveals Top Trades for Potentially Doubling Your Money — Within a Year</a>
Photo via Shutterstock

Opinion

Why The Treasury Yield's Drop Is Bad For Stocks But Good For This Income Investors

California governor Gavin Newsom (D) has been repeatedly urged over the past couple of weeks to give the green light to two measures seeking to establish cannabis farmers&#8217; markets and legalize cannabis cafes.
In August, the California legislature advanced a bill to allow cannabis cultivators to sell their products directly to consumers, as well as legislation that would enable cannabis lounges to serve food and host ticketed events.
Tara Gallegos, a spokesperson for the governor, is impartial on this issue, even though efforts aim to bolster California&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39195663/legal-california-cannabis-market-on-the-verge-of-collapse-while-illegal-growers-thrive-destroyin">struggling legal cannabis market</a>, which has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39195663/legal-california-cannabis-market-on-the-verge-of-collapse-while-illegal-growers-thrive-destroyin">undercut by the black market for years. </a>She <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/california-pot-cafe-farmers-market-bills-19731648.php">told</a> SFGATE in an email statement Gov. Newsom "will evaluate the bills on their merits."
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="970" height="250" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/11113053/ccc-oct-24-banner__1_-1-3.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-542701" style="width:920px;height:auto" /></a></figure>
If he eventually agrees to act favorably on the pot farmers market bill, mall-scale farmers would be allowed to sell cannabis at the markets but only in places like San Francisco where cannabis events are allowed by local governments.
<ul>
<li>Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.</li>
</ul>
That said, the California State Fair at Cal Expo has pioneering on-site cannabis sales and consumption this year, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39782466/californias-first-cannabis-friendly-state-fair-with-on-site-sales-and-consumption">for the first time in its 170-year history.</a>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40722308/californias-100m-cannabis-grant-program-to-help-new-businesses-was-mismanaged-audit-reveals">California&#8217;s $100M Cannabis Grant Program To Help New Businesses Was Mismanaged, Audit Reveals</a>
As for a bill to legalize Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes which was introduced by Assembly member Matt Haney (D) earlier this year, Newsom vetoed a similar measure last October, citing concerns about workplace safety. Haney has since amended the current bill to address these concerns.
During last week's press conference Haney said cannabis lounges are present across the state emphasizing "they're being prohibited—in an arbitrary, misguided way—from being able to serve any food or non-alcoholic beverages," <a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/california-lawmakers-and-advocates-urge-governor-to-sign-bills-to-allow-marijuana-sales-at-state-run-farmers-markets-and-legalize-cannabis-cafes/">reported</a> Marijuana Moment.
"The governor recently said that the future happens here first. He was talking about California. Well, this is the future," the lawmaker said. "This is the future when it comes to adult-use cannabis. It's the future when it comes to supporting our cannabis small businesses and their ability to thrive. It's the future when it comes to California's tourism." 
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40520617/detroits-first-cannabis-bakery-and-cafe-opens-soon-thc-cbd-infused-delights-await">Detroit&#8217;s First Cannabis Bakery And Cafe Opens Soon &#8211; THC, CBD-Infused Delights Await</a></li>
</ul>

Government

Regulations

Politics

Gov. Newsom Is Mulling Over Whether To Approve Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes In California

Quanta Services shares are trading higher after the company announced it made a strategic equity investment in Hybar and joined its existing high-profile group of equity investors.

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Emily Bodnar reiterates BriaCell Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCTX#NASDAQ">BCTX</a>) with a Buy and maintains $18 price target.

BCTX

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on BriaCell Therapeutics, Maintains $18 Price Target

<h4>Key Takeaways:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<ul>
<li>Chifeng Jilong&rsquo;s revenue rose nearly 17% in the first quarter and profits more than doubled to 202 million yuan&nbsp;</li>
<li>The company&rsquo;s production costs fell 12% last year, enabling a rise in profit margin&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
By Ken Lo
It could be described as a golden opportunity to raise extra cash. After inflation-wary investors sent gold prices to record highs, a Chinese miner of precious metals is hoping the red-hot bullion rally will add some sparkle to its IPO plans.
Global inflation soared over the past two years, boosted by pandemic disruptions and policy responses, followed by a severe energy shock from the Russian action against Ukraine. Sought as a safe-haven asset, gold has repeatedly hit record highs in an ascent to&nbsp;$2,500 an ounce on global markets, nearly 70 percent above its pre-pandemic level.
For financial planners at&nbsp;Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Co., Ltd., the gold fever was a strong incentive to seek fresh funds through the equity market.
The Shanghai-listed&nbsp;mining firm applied on Aug. 30 to launch its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with Citic Securities as the sponsor, saying the money would be used to upgrade or expand existing mines, as well as pay for potential acquisitions. A report on IFR, a subsidiary of Reuters, put the miner&rsquo;s fund-raising target at up to $200 million (1.43&nbsp;billion yuan).
The company currently owns and operates seven mines in China, Southeast Asia and West Africa, where it extracts gold, industrial metals and rare earth elements, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/app/sehk/2024/106766/documents/sehk24083000098.pdf">prospectus</a>. Gold is produced at six of the sites, four of them in China plus the Sepon mine in Laos and the Wassa mine in Ghana. The company also operates a polymetallic mine in China&rsquo;s Jilin province and processes rare earth elements at its Laos site. Aside from mining, Chifeng Jilong operates a recycling business for electronic waste.
The company&rsquo;s revenues rose steadily in the last three fiscal years, from 3.78 billion yuan in 2021 to 6.27&nbsp;billion yuan a year later and 7.22 billion yuan in 2023. In the first quarter of 2024, turnover rose nearly 17% to 1.85 billion yuan from the year-earlier period.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Over the same timeframe, annual profits were 582 million yuan, 451 million yuan and 804 million yuan, with 202 million yuan logged in the first quarter, 166% more than in the first three months of last year. The profit margins worked out at 15.38%, 7.2% and 11.1% for the three years, followed by 10.9% for the first three months of this year.
A glittering gold price naturally benefits the miners, whose shares tend to track the bullion market. However, the metal price is just one of many factors feeding into a mining company&rsquo;s finances and market value, such as extraction technology, the scale of production and industrial polices. These can moderate or boost the correlation with the gold price.&nbsp;
For example, the gold price has jumped 29% in the past year while Chifeng Jilong&rsquo;s stock climbed a less lofty 10.7%. But over a five-year period, the gold price soared 66% while Chifeng Jilong&rsquo;s stock more than doubled.&nbsp;
<h3>Industry Ranking&nbsp;</h3>
According to an industry analysis from Frost &amp; Sullivan, Chifeng Jilong expanded its gold output at a faster pace than its Chinese listed peers over the past three years, with production growing at a compound annual growth rate of 33.1%. In terms of output, the company ranked fifth, producing 461,500 ounces of gold last year. It also placed fifth among China&rsquo;s publicly traded gold miners for the scale of gold resources, at 14.6 million ounces.
The report cited in the prospectus also found that the cost of producing gold at Chifeng Jilong&rsquo;s mines fell 12% to $1,179.1 per ounce last year, helping to boost the miner&rsquo;s net profit margin by nearly four percentage points to 11.1%.
Meanwhile, the revenue share from overseas mines has risen, boosted by the launch of gold mining operations in Ghana in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mining within China made up 28.1% of total revenue in 2023 but the proportion fell to 23.6% in the first quarter of this year, while the contribution from Laos and Ghana rose from 71.9% to 76.4%.
The prospectus noted that Chinese mines denominated their finances in renminbi. But the company&rsquo;s big revenue stream from overseas mines adds foreign-exchange effects into the equation, as gold sales from Laos and Ghana are made in U.S. dollars and operating costs are mostly denominated in local currencies.&nbsp;The Laotian Kip and Ghanaian Cedi have tumbled against the dollar over the past three and a half years, to the company&rsquo;s benefit. But if the currencies strengthen against the dollar in the future, Chifeng Jilong could face foreign-exchange losses.
Cash flow conditions have also risen along with the buoyant gold price. As of the end of March, the company could draw on 1.32&nbsp;billion yuan in cash and cash equivalents,&nbsp;2.46 billion yuan worth of gold-based inventory, 1.01 billion yuan of short-term loans and 1.32 billion yuan&nbsp;in&nbsp;long-term lending. By the end of June, cash and cash equivalents had increased to 2.19 billion yuan.
Currently, Chifeng Jilong is worth about 28 billion yuan on China&rsquo;s A-share market. If the first-quarter profit of 202 million yuan was sustained through the year, the company&rsquo;s forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio would come in at 34.7 times. That would place it between fellow gold producers&nbsp;Shandong&nbsp;Gold Mining&nbsp;(1787.HK) at 22 times and&nbsp;Zhaojin Mining(1818.HK) with a ratio of 45 times. On that basis, Chifeng Jilong should be able to persuade some investors to get on board its listing and take a ride on the gold market.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Asia

Chifeng Jilong Hitches A Ride On Market Gold Rush

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) shares are pushing higher Wednesday as solar stocks climb following Tuesday night's debate between Vice President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40816556/enphase-solaredge-sunrun-eye-double-digit-growth-as-solar-market-rebounds-on-kamala">Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.</a>
The Details:
First Solar shares are climbing Wednesday as investors react to Vice President Harris&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808499/trump-vs-harris-debates-results-are-in-flash-poll-shows-resounding-majority-pick-vice-president-as-w">Tuesday's debate</a> against Republican nominee Donald Trump. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40797656/whats-going-on-with-palantir-stock">What&#8217;s Going On With Palantir Stock?</a>
Harris emphasized her support for alternative energy sources during the debate. Coco Zhang, an ESG research analyst at ING Group, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40817317/solar-shares-climb-as-harris-gains-momentum-post-debate-against-trump-7-top-gainers-in-clean-ene">highlighted</a> Harris's track record of promoting clean energy development, including her support for a carbon tax and a ban on fracking.&nbsp;
&#8220;My position is that we have got to invest in diverse sources of energy so we reduce our reliance on foreign oil,&#8221; Harris said during the debate.&nbsp;
The Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NYSE">TAN</a>) is climbing higher Wednesday, boosted by gains from SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEDG#NASDAQ">SEDG</a>) and Sunrun, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) as investors see a Harris win as more likely following the debate.&nbsp;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Will FSLR Stock Go Up?</h3>
When trying to assess whether or not First Solar will trade higher from current levels, it's a good idea to take a look at analyst forecasts. 
Wall Street analysts have an average 12-month price target of $299.64 on First Solar. The Street high target is currently at $360 and the Street low target is $250. Of all the analysts covering First Solar, 11 have positive ratings, no one has neutral ratings and no one has negative ratings.
In the last month, one analyst has adjusted price targets. Here's a look at recent price target changes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FSLR/analyst-ratings">[Analyst Ratings]</a>. Benzinga also tracks Wall Street's most accurate analysts. Check out how analysts covering First Solar have performed in recent history. 
Stocks don't move in a straight line. The average stock market return is approximately 10% per year. First Solar is 36.26% up year-to-date. The average analyst price target suggests the stock could have further upside ahead.
For a broad overview of everything you need to know about First Solar, visit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FSLR">here</a>. If you want to go above and beyond, there's no better tool to help you do just that than <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>. Start your free trial today.
FSLR Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, First Solar shares are up 11.4% at $232 at the time of publication Wednesday.
Read Also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40800988/whats-going-on-with-amd-stock-today">What&#8217;s Going On With AMD Stock Today?</a></li>
</ul>
This image was generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Movers

FSLR

SEDG

What's Going On With First Solar Stock?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Universal Display (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OLED#NASDAQ">OLED</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in OLED usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for Universal Display. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 40% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $180,440, and 5 are calls, amounting to $153,554.
<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 $140.0 and $220.0 for Universal Display, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Universal Display options trades today is 138.0 with a total volume of 637.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Universal Display's big money trades within a strike price range of $140.0 to $220.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Universal Display Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726074129_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>OLED</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$11.9</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$11.4</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$44.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">297</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLED</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$20.2</td>
<td>$20.1</td>
<td>$20.2</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$44.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">117</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLED</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$20.3</td>
<td>$19.9</td>
<td>$20.2</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$36.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">117</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLED</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$20.4</td>
<td>$20.1</td>
<td>$20.1</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$36.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">117</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLED</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$20.9</td>
<td>$20.6</td>
<td>$20.6</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$32.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">117</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">77</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Universal Display</h3>
Universal Display Corp researches, develops, and manufactures organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, technologies for use in displays for mobile phones, tablets, televisions, wearables, personal computers, automotive interiors, and the solid-state lighting market. OLED technologies are an alternative to light-emitting diode, or LED, technologies, in the solid-state lighting market, and liquid crystal displays in the flat-panel-display market. A large majority of the firm's revenue is generated in South Korea, with the rest coming from Japan, China, the United States, and other countries across the world.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Universal Display, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Universal Display</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 168,788, the price of OLED is down -0.31% at $195.0. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 50 days.</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 Universal Display, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

OLED

Universal Display's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in PG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 14 extraordinary options activities for Procter &amp; Gamble. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 28% leaning bullish and 64% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $151,047, and 11 are calls, amounting to $1,659,550.
<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 $155.0 to $195.0 for Procter &amp; Gamble during the past quarter. 
<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 Procter &amp; Gamble'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 Procter &amp; Gamble's whale activity within a strike price range from $155.0 to $195.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Procter &amp; Gamble Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726074124_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>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$6.65</td>
<td>$6.6</td>
<td>$6.6</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$431.1K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">673</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$11.05</td>
<td>$10.9</td>
<td>$10.9</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$341.1K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">342</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$10.3</td>
<td>$9.8</td>
<td>$10.3</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$322.3K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">316</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$206.7K</td>
<td>8.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">632</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$1.21</td>
<td>$1.2</td>
<td>$1.21</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$86.9K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">757</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Procter &amp; Gamble</h3>
Since its founding in 1837, Procter &amp; Gamble has become one of the world's largest consumer product manufacturers, generating more than $80 billion in annual sales. It operates with a lineup of leading brands, including more than 20 that generate north of $1 billion each in annual global sales, such as Tide laundry detergent, Charmin toilet paper, Pantene shampoo, and Pampers diapers. Sales outside its home turf represent more than half of the firm's consolidated total.
<h3>Current Position of Procter &amp; Gamble</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 2,571,277, the price of PG is down -1.77% at $174.64. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Procter &amp; Gamble</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $190.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from DZ Bank upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $190. </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 Procter &amp; Gamble options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on Procter & Gamble Options

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on UnitedHealth Group. Our analysis of options history for UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) revealed 44 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 40% of traders were bullish, while 43% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 27 were puts, with a value of $3,065,429, and 17 were calls, valued at $1,024,188.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $440.0 and $700.0 for UnitedHealth Group, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for UnitedHealth 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 UnitedHealth Group's whale activity within a strike price range from $440.0 to $700.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726074118_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 style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$27.0</td>
<td>$26.55</td>
<td>$27.15</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$950.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">256</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$11.65</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$371.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">489</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">394</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$590.00</td>
<td>$261.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">465</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">379</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$7.55</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$575.00</td>
<td>$206.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">170</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$8.77</td>
<td>$510.00</td>
<td>$148.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">229</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">424</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About UnitedHealth Group</h3>
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 2024. As a leader in employer-sponsored, self-directed, and government-backed insurance plans, UnitedHealth has obtained massive scale in managed care. Along with its insurance assets, UnitedHealth's continued investments in its Optum franchises have created a healthcare services colossus that spans everything from medical and pharmaceutical benefits to providing outpatient care and analytics to both affiliated and third-party customers.
In light of the recent options history for UnitedHealth Group, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of UnitedHealth Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,373,638, the price of UNH is down by -1.72%, reaching $588.72.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 30 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on UnitedHealth Group</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 $591.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $591. </li>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $591.</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 UnitedHealth Group, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

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