FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (BATS: XOCT)

Latest news for FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (BATS:XOCT)

The Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange Options (FLEX Options) that reference the price performance of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (the Underlying ETF). FLEX Options are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. The Underlying ETF is an exchange-traded unit investment trust that uses a replication strategy, meaning it invests in as many of the stocks in the S&P 500 Index as is practicable. PDR Services, LLC (PDR) serves as the Underlying ETFs sponsor. The investment objective of the Underlying ETF is to seek to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Index. The Funds performance will not reflect the payment of dividends by the Underlying ETF.

FT Cboe Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October

FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October

Despite ongoing legal challenges, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tiktok" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok</a> content creators refuse to prepare for a potential U.S. ban on the app that helped them garner millions of followers in four years, the Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/a-tiktok-ban-looms-creators-say-theyll-believe-it-when-they-see-it-6727dd67" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The ban, which will take effect on January 19, stems from a law requiring TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese owner.
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance lawyers, have appealed to the Supreme Court to halt the ban pending their appeal&nbsp;to a lower-court ruling.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42658286/metas-ai-powered-ad-growth-and-expanding-user-base-drive-analyst-optimism" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta User Base, AI-Powered Ad Growth Drive Analyst Optimism</a>
A lot seems to be brewing in the social media landscape as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take charge in January. Trump has fueled hope among TikTok supporters by urging the Supreme Court to delay the law&#8217;s implementation.
TikTok has become a critical platform for creators and advertisers, accounting for ~4% of the U.S. digital ad market, the WSJ cites eMarketer.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;TikTok, boasting 170 million U.S. users, estimated that creators could lose $300 million in monthly earnings upon a ban.
In 2020, then-President Donald Trump called the app&nbsp;a &#8220;national security&#8221; risk <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/20/09/17671544/judge-blocks-trump-order-on-tiktok-just-hours-before-ban-goes-into-effect" rel="noreferrer noopener">since&nbsp;it is owned by</a> a Beijing-based parent company.&nbsp;ByteDance Ltd., which launched TikTok in 2018 after acquiring&nbsp;Shanghai-based video app Musical.ly for&nbsp;$1 billion,&nbsp;could gather data on Americans on behalf of Chinese authorities, he had said.
However, a federal judge has halted the Trump Administration&#8217;s ban on TikTok. Then, Trump forced a sale of TikTok to U.S. companies, with Bytedance still holding a majority stake.
Meanwhile, advertisers have contingency plans to redirect ad spending to platforms such as Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Instagram 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>) YouTube upon a TikTok ban.
Reportedly, ByteDance <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42725613/tiktok-parent-plans-7-billion-ai-push-with-nvidia-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to spend</a> $7 billion on Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) chips outside China to accomplish its artificial intelligence ambitions, signifying growing ties between Chinese and U.S. companies despite the U.S. semiconductor embargo on China.
Recently, Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) also tapped TikTok targeting $1 billion in sales boost through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40294494/amazon-teams-up-with-tiktok-pinterest-for-shoppable-ads-analyst-sees-1b-payoff" rel="noreferrer noopener">in-app shopping ads</a>.
In July, Needham&#8217;s Laura Martin valued TikTok higher than Reels and Shorts backed by its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/07/39991984/tiktok-vs-reels-vs-shorts-analyst-sizes-up-short-form-video-platforms-on-valuation-and-monetization" rel="noreferrer noopener">revenue, active users</a> and engagement measures.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42729529/social-media-stocks-react-as-trump-targets-censorship-and-delays-tiktok-ban" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Administration to Challenge Social Media Censorship, Setting Stage for Conflict with EU Regulations</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Government

News

Regulations

Tech

Media

AMZN

GOOG

GOOGL

NVDA

TikTok Set For A Ban on Jan 19 By Law, But Trump Has Other Plans

As we move into the New Year, it is a good time to revisit what we do and do not know about insider trading.
We know that corporate officers&#8217; and directors&#8217; trading has to be revealed to the public via a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We know that, in most cases, insider buying is far more informative than insider selling. Most insider selling reveals very little real information, as there are dozens of reasons for insiders to be cashing in stocks, most of which have little to do with business prospects.
The exception to this rule is when we see clusters of insiders or large sales by top executives at or near 52-week lows. This always needs to be investigated, as the odds of several executives having a personal cash need when the stock is in a downtrend are pretty slim.
We know that insiders buy stocks for only one reason: they believe the stock price will go higher based on what they know about the business.
They are not as concerned with profits measured in percentages as they are with profits measured in multiples of the stock price.
Most of the time, insiders are contrarian and value-oriented when buying shares. Clusters of large insider buys often indicate a stock is getting near the lows and is ripe for a turnaround.
When we see insiders go against that habit and buy near 52-week highs, it is very informative and indicates that nonpublic knowledge will lead to higher prices sooner rather than later.
The top executives earn higher excess returns on their purchases than directors and low-level executives. Most of the time, the CEO and CFO have the highest returns.
&nbsp;That makes sense since they see more of the big picture than anyone else. Most of the time, they are the ones painting the picture.
The CFO tends to earn higher returns than the CEO. That also makes sense since they understand both the picture and vision and what that means for the financial statements.
These are not opinions.
These are facts and conclusions drawn from academic studies and real-world results.
We will look for opportunities created by all these rules as we go through 2025.
Since today is the first trading day of 2025, I thought we would take a look at some stocks where the CEO or CFO was making large purchases of stocks that Wall Street hates. Big money buying in the open market often indicates that hatred is misplaced.
Take Tidewater (Ticker: TDW), for example. Tidewater owns and operates a substantial fleet of offshore vessels, providing logistical support, crew transportation, and equipment delivery to offshore rigs, platforms, and facilities. They own the boats that take people, tools, and supplies to offshore drilling rigs worldwide.
It has not been a great business for several years now. Oil and gas prices have been in a range for some time now. Prices supported onshore activity, but offshore activity has been moribund. Politics and misguided energy policies have played a role in creating weakness in the industry as well.
Shares of Tidewater hit a high of $110 back in mid-year and have plunged by more than 50% since. There have been signs that offshore demand is picking up, and key executives at Tidewater apparently think the worst is over.
CEO Quintin Kneen spent almost $2 million on shares last month. Well-known value investor Robert Robotti is a large shareholder and director and has also been buying. Robotti purchased another million shares of stock last month.
Any increased offshore oil and gas activity will send this stock skyrocketing toward its 52-week highs. Any news that causes a spike in oil and gas demand or pricing could easily make Tidewater one of the top-performing stocks of 2025.
Shares of Dave &amp; Buster&#8217;s Entertainment (Ticker: PLAY) have not been very entertaining lately. The company has been losing far more than analysts expected, and after the last quarter&#8217;s report, the CEO resigned. Wall Street hates the stock, and traders have been dumping it. Dave &amp; Buster&#8217;s shares are now down almost 60% from the 52-week highs.
Chairman of the board Kevin Sheehan has stepped in as interim CEO. Upon taking the role, Mr. Sheehan must have liked what he saw amidst the carnage as he broke out his checkbook and purchased another $1.4 million worth of stock. Two other directors also made six-figure open-market purchases of the stock.
The board of directors feels pretty good about the future, as it authorized a new $100 million stock buyback to take advantage of the bargain pricing. Almost 20% of the float is sold short, so any good news could squeeze the shares.
Insiders are not always right about their purchases, but they are right more often than not, and the rewards can be spectacular.

Opinion

PLAY

C-Suite Buy of the Week: Executive Buying Trends Offer Clues for 2025 InvestmentsC-Suite Buy of the Week:

A fourth test of full self-driving from Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) left an analyst cautiously optimistic for the company's future in a continued series of reviews of the company's<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/fsd"> self-driving technology.</a>
 The Tesla Analyst: Truist analyst William Stein maintained a Hold rating on Tesla with a $360 price target.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40372401/tesla-fsd-test-drive-terrifies-analysts-son-third-time-not-the-charm">Tesla FSD Test Drive Terrifies Analyst&#8217;s Son: &#8216;Third Time Not The Charm&#8217;</a>
The Analyst Takeaways: A fourth test of a Tesla Model 3 with FSD v13 for Stein left the analyst feeling comfortable Tesla could solve autonomy in the future.
"We increasingly view TSLA's long-term success as inextricably linked to its ability to transition FSD from supervised to unsupervised tech," Stein said.
The analyst said the test needed no interventions, but "imperfections remain obvious."
Past test drives using FSD revealed weaknesses in the Tesla technology, the analyst said. The fourth test was "more impressive" without the need for any interventions.
While there were no interventions needed, Stein won't recommend FSD use. 
The analyst said the 15-mile round-trip test required no touching of the pedals or steering wheel.
"FSD navigated around a double-parked car, and changed lanes on the highway logically. Driving was mostly smooth and human-like."
The negatives of the trip were one moving violation and "some strange behavior" with FSD failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk one of the named issues.
"We viewed this behavior as not inspiring a confidence of safety, but not worse than many less experiences or aggressive drivers."
Stein also said the Tesla vehicle followed drivers "rather closely," which could pose a safety threat. The vehicle also lingered to the edge of its lane, coming closer to barrier walls than many drivers would prefer.
"The imperfections increasingly seem to be related to sensors, not AI, which is a problem for TSLA."
Stein said AI problems could be overcome quickly. Potential sensor issues could be more problematic, the analyst said.
No interventions needed in the 15-mile loop is called "impressive" by Stein. The analyst said Tesla "may eventually ‘solve' autonomy."
"It's just not ready for prime time (let alone a robotaxi service) yet."
TSLA Price Action: Tesla stock is down 6.66% to $376.78 on Thursday versus a 52-week trading range of $138.80 to $488.54.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42766117/tesla-stock-tumbles-on-q4-deliveries-whats-going-on">Tesla Stock Tumbles On Q4 Deliveries: What&#8217;s Going On?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Jose Gil on Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

TSLA

Tesla Analyst Says FSD Test Drive Shows Imperfections, 'Not Ready For Prime Time Yet'

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Exxon Mobil. Our analysis of options history for Exxon Mobil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) revealed 21 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 38% of traders were bullish, while 42% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $108,412, and 18 were calls, valued at $989,955.
<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 $70.0 and $115.0 for Exxon Mobil, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Exxon Mobil's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Exxon Mobil's significant trades, within a strike price range of $70.0 to $115.0, over the past month.
<h3>Exxon Mobil Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735842630_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>XOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$40.0</td>
<td>$39.3</td>
<td>$39.73</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$198.6K</td>
<td align="right">337</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/10/25</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$0.56</td>
<td>$0.62</td>
<td>$111.00</td>
<td>$111.0K</td>
<td align="right">613</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$15.75</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.5</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$77.5K</td>
<td align="right">316</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$0.85</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$111.00</td>
<td>$76.9K</td>
<td align="right">404</td>
<td>941</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/03/25</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$66.6K</td>
<td align="right">557</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Exxon Mobil</h3>
ExxonMobil is an integrated oil and gas company that explores for, produces, and refines oil around the world. In 2023, it produced 2.4 million barrels of liquids and 7.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. At the end of 2023, reserves were 16.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent, 66% of which were liquids. The company is one of the world's largest refiners with a total global refining capacity of 4.5 million barrels of oil per day and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of commodity and specialty chemicals.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Exxon Mobil, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Exxon Mobil</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 6,049,051, the XOM's price is down by -0.47%, now at $107.06. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 29 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Exxon Mobil</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $129.6.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from RBC Capital lowers its rating to Sector Perform with a new price target of $115. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from JP Morgan keeps a Overweight rating on Exxon Mobil with a target price of $125. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Mizuho persists with their Neutral rating on Exxon Mobil, maintaining a target price of $134. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler persists with their Overweight rating on Exxon Mobil, maintaining a target price of $127. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Buy rating on Exxon Mobil, maintaining a target price of $147. 
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 Exxon Mobil options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

Exxon Mobil Unusual Options Activity

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Cloudflare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NYSE">NET</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 NET usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 12 extraordinary options activities for Cloudflare. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 33% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $141,144, and 10 are calls, amounting to $469,887.
<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 $45.0 and $135.0 for Cloudflare, 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 Cloudflare's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Cloudflare's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $45.0 to $135.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Cloudflare 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735842626_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$112.00</td>
<td>$113.8K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td align="right">217</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$22.25</td>
<td>$21.95</td>
<td>$21.95</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$89.9K</td>
<td>779</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$10.85</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.69</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$53.4K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$114.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$34.65</td>
<td>$33.95</td>
<td>$33.96</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>99</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Cloudflare</h3>
Cloudflare is a software company based in San Francisco, California, that offers security and web performance offerings by utilizing a distributed, serverless content delivery network, or CDN. The firm's edge computing platform, Workers, leverages this network by providing clients the ability to deploy, and execute code without maintaining servers.
In light of the recent options history for Cloudflare, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Cloudflare's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,380,874, with NET's price up by 4.43%, positioned at $112.44.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Cloudflare</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $131.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Goldman Sachs has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $140. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Stifel upgrades its rating to Buy with a revised price target of $136. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Jefferies has decided to maintain their Hold rating on Cloudflare, which currently sits at a price target of $125. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Mizuho continues to hold a Neutral rating for Cloudflare, targeting a price of $125. 
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 Cloudflare options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With NET

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Baidu. Our analysis of options history for Baidu (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) revealed 13 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 23% of traders were bullish, while 61% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $125,935, and 11 were calls, valued at $584,035.
<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 $70.0 to $100.0 for Baidu over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Baidu stands at 1118.5, with a total volume reaching 1,667.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Baidu, situated within the strike price corridor from $70.0 to $100.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Baidu Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735842620_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$7.25</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$105.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td align="right">150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$100.0K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$15.25</td>
<td>$15.1</td>
<td>$15.1</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$75.5K</td>
<td>380</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$15.05</td>
<td>$14.95</td>
<td>$15.05</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$75.2K</td>
<td>380</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$4.0</td>
<td>$4.05</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$70.8K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td align="right">239</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Baidu</h3>
Baidu is the largest internet search engine in China with over 50% share of the search engine market in 2024 per web analytics firm, Statcounter. The firm generated 72% of core revenue from online marketing services from its search engine in 2023. Outside its search engine, Baidu is a technology-driven company and its other major growth initiatives are artificial intelligence cloud, video streaming services, voice recognition technology, and autonomous driving.
In light of the recent options history for Baidu, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Baidu's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,701,293, the price of BIDU is down by -1.73%, reaching $82.85.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 55 days from now.</li>
</ul>
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
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 Baidu, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

BIDU

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

Cloudflare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NYSE">NET</a>) stock is trading upwards Thursday after Goldman Sachs analyst Gabriela Borges upgraded the stock from Sell to Buy and raised its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NET/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target from $77 to $140</a>.
Security stock performance in 2024 can almost entirely be explained by the extent to which the market believed each company was a platform rather than a point product, as per the analyst.
Borges flagged two catalysts for Cloudflare stock in 2025, including an improving sales and marketing productivity cycle after two years of evolution to better address platform sales in the enterprise and traction with Act III products for developer services as Cloudflare applies its core edge network architecture advantages to new AI inferencing use cases.
The price target boost reflects a jump in the multiple from 11x to 20x (Q5-Q8 revenue), raising the analyst&#8217;s 2026 revenue estimates by 2%, given his views on sales productivity and Act III.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42721526/taiwan-semiconductors-kaohsiung-expansion-to-boost-jobs-and-2-nm-chip-production" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Kaohsiung Expansion To Boost 2-nm Chip Production</a>
Borges changed his 2024, 2025, and 2026 EPS estimates to $0.75, $0.90, and $1.32 from $0.75, $0.86, and $1.12, driven by slightly more margin expansion, marking the highest target multiple in his coverage.
Borges downgraded Check Point Software Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHKP#NASDAQ">CHKP</a>) from Buy to Neutral and raised the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CHKP/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target from&nbsp;$204&nbsp;to&nbsp;$207</a>.
The analyst highlighted 2025 as a year of incremental investment for Check Point as its new CEO evaluates growth priorities and the company ramps up its new SASE products. Taken together, the analyst noted that EPS growth will be under pressure in 2025, and the stock typically tracks EPS growth. He noted an opportunity to become more positive into 2026, as the path to 10%+ revenue growth and 20%+ EPS growth comes back into focus if Check Point successfully converts incremental investments into incremental revenue growth.
Borges compared Check Point to Software companies with less than 10% revenue growth and enough EPS to be valued using a P/E methodology. Relative to this peer group (median 2025 P/E of 17x), Check Point offers similar revenue growth (6% on Street estimates versus 6% for peers in 2025) but better Rule of 40 (~47 versus 35). 
The analyst also used the S&amp;P 500 as a point of comparison: The S&amp;P 500 is trading at 22x 2025 EPS while offering ~10% EPS growth; relative to the S&amp;P 500, Check Point provides similar cross-cycle earnings growth.
Borges revised 2024, 2025, and 2026 EPS from $9.10, $9.75, and $10.95 to $9.10, $9.45, and $10.65 to reflect an operating expenditure trend consistent with recent history and introduced 2027 EPS of $12.25.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02125002/newplot-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-715755" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02125002/newplot-1.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02125002/newplot-1-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Price Actions: NET stock is up 4.59% at $112.62 at last check Thursday. CHKP is down 0.80%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42721414/nvidia-targets-robotics-as-next-big-opportunity-amid-rising-ai-rivalry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Targets Robotics as Next Big Opportunity Amid Rising AI Rivalry</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via T. Schneider/Shutterstock.com.

Upgrades

Downgrades

Movers

CHKP

Cloudflare's AI Innovations And Sales Strategy Drive Goldman Sachs Upgrade

Rumors

FROG

Watching JFrog; Hearing BARCLAYS Saying Company Increased Prices

The launch of the U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAR#NYSE">WAR</a>) on Dec. 30, 2024, and its subsequent debut on the New York Stock Exchange, is another feather in the cap for U.S. Global Investors Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GROW#NASDAQ">GROW</a>) extensive suite of ETFs targeting specific sectors. The fund aims to bring investors into the areas of advanced technology, defense and aerospace with an expense ratio of 0.6%.
The ETF holds total net assets of $1 million, per the company&#8217;s fact sheet, and rebalances quarterly. Holdings are split, with the following 10 holdings equally representing seven percent each of the fund: Applied Materials (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>), General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>), Hexcel Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HXL#NYSE">HXL</a>), Leidos Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LDOS#NYSE">LDOS</a>), and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>). Other notable holdings include Rheinmetall AG, Cohort plc, Cognyte Software and F5, each constituting 4% of the portfolio.
A general breakdown of the ETF holdings looks like this: data centers, homeland protection, aerospace and defense, cybersecurity, and semiconductor. All these sectors are interconnected in today&#8217;s global economy.
Interestingly, <a href="https://www.usglobaletfs.com/app/uploads/2024/12/WAR-Factsheet.pdf">28%</a> of the ETF's technology sector exposure will consist of semiconductor stocks. This is important as the chip industry has been in the spotlight for a while now for its lucrative outlook. According to a recent <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/technology/state-of-the-semicon-industry.html">PwC report</a>, global semiconductor revenues are anticipated to grow "more than twice as fast as global GDP, reaching over $1 trillion by 2030." Thus, a larger exposure in this area makes sense.
Also, another 28% of the fund's overall holdings will go to Cybersecurity, an area that needs intense R&amp;D and consistent advancements to tackle the growing sophistication of global cybercrimes, including cyberespionage, a major headache for governments.
The stocks included in this actively managed fund will be chosen subject to some quantitative and fundamental parameters. Also, there is a possibility for the fund to invest in foreign companies and emerging markets. The fund prospectus currently states that its exposure to companies in the U.S. is 83%, U.K. is 7%, Germany is 7%, France 3% and Norway 3%.
The ETF issuer has a note of warning to investors in its press release: "The fund's concentration in the securities of a particular industry namely Aerospace and Defense, Cybersecurity and Semi-conductor industries as well as geographic concentration may cause it to be more susceptible to greater fluctuations in share price and volatility due to adverse events that affect the Fund's investments."
Nonetheless, the defense industry presents a significant investment opportunity due to various global factors. 
Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine, tensions with China and heightened military spending especially in Europe due to the almost doubling of arms imports between 2019 and 2023 will require high levels of defense spending. 
Advanced technologies in warfare are transforming war; countries are heavily investing in AI, hypersonic missiles, and autonomous weapons, with the example being China. 
As detailed by U.S. Global ETFs, cyber threats are also rising, with a 75% increase in global cyberattacks and leading to high investments in cyber security infrastructure. Bipartisan U.S. defense spending and increases in NATO military spending add weight to the potential growth of this sector. Another reason for European defense system modernization and the reduction of U.S. reliance on their systems is to grow more independent.
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/42720025/these-3-quirky-etfs-may-be-strong-plays-in-2025">These 3 Quirky ETFs May Be Strong Plays in 2025</a>
Photo: Courtesy General Dynamics

Specialty ETFs

New ETFs

Global

ETFs

AMAT

GROW

LDOS

U.S. Global Launches Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF: Why Its Allocation Makes Sense

In the current market session, Upwork Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPWK#NASDAQ">UPWK</a>) share price is at $16.51, after a 0.98% increase. Moreover, over the past month, the stock decreased by 0.79%, but in the past year, went up by 16.80%. Shareholders might be interested in knowing whether the stock is overvalued, even if the company is performing up to par in the current session. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735841711_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Comparing Upwork P/E Against Its Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
Upwork has a lower P/E than the aggregate P/E of 80.49 of the Professional Services industry. Ideally, one might believe that the stock might perform worse than its peers, but it's also probable that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735841711_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

Intraday Update

UPWK

A Look Into Upwork Inc's Price Over Earnings

As the New Year begins, the U.K.&#8217;s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to avoid purchasing weight-loss medicines without a prescription from unauthorized sources like beauty salons, social media platforms, or unverified websites.
Such practices violate the law and expose individuals to significant health risks.
MHRA Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement Andy Morling <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-medicines-regulator-warns-against-buying-weight-loss-medicines-without-a-prescription-this-new-year" rel="noreferrer noopener">cautioned</a> against the increasing trend of illegal weight-loss medicine sales, describing them as dangerous &#8220;quick fixes.&#8221;
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39940717/uks-nhs-prescribes-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-less-than-expected-due-to-service-shortages" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK&#8217;s NHS Prescribes Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy Less Than Expected Due To Service Shortages</a>
He emphasized that these medicines, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are potent drugs that should only be dispensed by licensed healthcare professionals. Buying them from unregulated sources puts consumers&#8217; health at serious risk and contributes to illegal activity.
Unregulated online products may contain harmful toxins, posing serious health risks that could result in hospitalization.
Eli Lilly And Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) Tirzepatide and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) semaglutide dominate the GLP-1 class products market.
The agency works to curb the distribution of these unapproved products by identifying and removing illegal sales posts, suspending accounts, and shutting down rogue websites.
Chief Safety Officer Dr. Alison Cave highlighted the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting any treatment. Decisions about weight-loss medicines should be based on a comprehensive assessment of benefits and risks, with the patient and healthcare provider working together.
The MHRA continues to monitor the safety of all licensed weight-loss drugs, urging patients to report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.
In October, NHS England proposed a phased rollout of tirzepatide.
Under draft guidance from an independent committee at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, tirzepatide has been recommended for patients living with obesity, with a maximum list price of 122 pounds ($159.6) per month <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41186057/englands-nhs-proposes-phased-rollout-of-eli-lillys-mounjaro-considers-digital-services-to-boost-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">for the highest dose</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42768979/costly-indulgence-gold-surge-pushes-rolex-prices-higher-to-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gold Price Surge Pushes Rolex to Raise Prices for Iconic Watches</a></li>
</ul>
Wegovy Photo by Tobias Arhelger via Shutterstock

Eurozone

Don't Buy Weight-Loss Medication From Unauthorized Sources, UK Health Agency Warns About Risks

NRX Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NRXP#NASDAQ">NRXP</a>) shares are trading higher on Thursday after the company&#8217;s Hope Therapeutics subsidiary announced the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/n42762750/hope-therapeutics-inc-and-nrx-pharmaceuticals-inc-nasdaq-nrxp-announce-kadima-neuropsychiatry-inst">planed acquisition of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute.</a>
The acquisition is part of a broader plan by NRX and Hope to establish a network of clinics for treating depression and PTSD, with Kadima set to become the flagship location.
NRX highlights Kadima as a leading interventional psychiatry clinic, known for introducing ketamine therapy for central nervous system disorders at scale. The clinic also offers treatments such as Spravato, transcranial magnetic stimulation and medication management for conditions like suicidal depression, PTSD and anxiety.
The network is set to be called the HOPE network of which Dr. David Feifel will serve as the Chief Medical Innovation Officer.
&#8220;I am thrilled to join the leadership of HOPE at this exciting juncture,&#8221; said Feifel. 
&#8220;In a world where nearly 60 million Americans suffer from a mental illness in any given year, our dream has been to expand the successes and learnings of Kadima to an international stage, where we can continue to innovate and refine treatments that will create a world in which suicidal depression and PTSD are&nbsp;100%&nbsp;treatable conditions, from which patients and their families should expect to return to empowered and productive lives.&#8221;
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/25/01/42770349/fair-isaac-unusual-options-activity">Fair Isaac Unusual Options Activity</a>
NRXP Price Action: At the time of publication, NRX stock is trading 42.3% higher at $3.13, according to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: Akava Photo from Pixabay

NRXP

What's Going On With NRX Pharmaceuticals Stock Thursday?

WIIM

EQNR

Equinor shares are trading higher after the company announced it has received $3B in financing for its U.S. Empire Wind 1 project.

Authorities now believe the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42756901/fbi-probes-new-years-day-vehicle-assault-in-new-orleans-as-terrorism">New Orleans truck attack</a> suspect acted alone, contradicting earlier suspicions of the existence of accomplices, the FBI announced in a press conference on Thursday.
What Happened: The New Year's Day tragedy left 14 dead and dozens injured when Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/02/us/new-orleans-attack-news">reports</a>. It was initially reported the Bourbon Street attack killed 15 people; the Times clarified Thursday that 14 people were killed plus the suspect. 
Officials said two explosive devices found at the French Quarter scene failed to detonate, adding that no definitive link has been established between the attack and the explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas hours later.
In Las Vegas, Matthew Livelsberger, an active duty Army soldier, allegedly drove a rented Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fireworks mortars, gasoline and camping fuel into the valet area of the hotel early on New Year's Day. The vehicle exploded, killing Livelsberger and injuring seven bystanders, ABC News <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/las-vegas-cybertruck-explosion-investigation-leads-police-colorado/story?id=117263085">reports</a>.
Investigators have since uncovered that both Livelsberger and Jabbar served at the same Army base, <a href="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/suspects-in-vegas-explosion-new-orleans-attack-served-at-same-army-base-sources-tell-denver7-investigates">according </a>to Denver7, an ABC affiliate. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/01/42771050/new-orleans-beefs-up-security-ahead-of-sugar-bowl-tickets-plummet-to-25-as-fans-leave-town">New Orleans Beefs Up Security Ahead Of Sugar Bowl, Tickets Plummet To $25 As Fans Leave Town</a>
Why It Matters: The shared military base connection that was reported between Jabbar and Livelsberger has intensified scrutiny of their overlapping histories. Additionally, the use of Turo rentals in these tragedies highlights concerns about background check procedures on car-sharing platforms.
Both suspects rented electric pickup trucks: Livelsberger used a Tesla Cybertruck and Jabbar rented a Ford F-150 Lightning. The latter vehicle's owner, who rents cars for a secondary income, said he identified his truck from news footage and plans to stop using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42769136/turo-used-for-new-orleans-las-vegas-attacks-we-are-devastated-by-these-horrible-incidents">Turo after the attack.</a>
Authorities in both cities said there are no ongoing threats as investigations continue.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42768507/china-slaps-export-restrictions-on-dozens-of-us-companies-boeing-lockheed-martin-general-dynamics-raytheon-affected">China&#8217;s Export Crackdown Hits Boeing, Lockheed Martin And More</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock.

FBI Says Suspect In New Orleans Attack Acted Alone; Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Suspect Identified

Some people take saving money to a whole new level. A recent <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1hmfdeq/what_are_some_extreme_acts_of_frugality_that_you/">thread</a> on r/Frugal asked users to share the most &#8220;extreme acts of frugality&#8221; they've witnessed and the responses did not disappoint. From genius hacks to eyebrow-raising habits, here are some of the most memorable ones.
One user shared a story about their grandfather, who would walk to the local grocery store daily to grab a complimentary coffee sample. He'd drink the small Dixie cup-sized serving and then walk home without buying a thing. According to the person, he &#8220;lived a great ultra-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628868/warren-buffetts-frugal-lifestyle-hacks-saved-millions-here-are-5-tips-to-follow-suit-in-your-everyda">frugal life</a> as he saw it. We didn't know much about his finances, but he needed very little in life. He left behind over a quarter of a million dollars in his bank, a house he owned and a gently used Toyota in the early 2000s.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>
Another person&#8217;s grandmother's clever recycling also made an impression. As socks wore out, she'd darn them and pass them down to younger family members. When the socks became too short, she'd cut off the tops and sew them over worn coat sleeves. As someone noted, &#8220;I imagine this only works with real textiles. The polyester clothes that they sell now would never.&#8221;
A person&#8217;s father had a nightly ritual that involved turning off the Wi-Fi router to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40431920/customers-who-save-on-electric-bills-might-have-to-pay-extra-utility-companies-could-charge-them">save on electricity</a>. While the actual savings were probably pennies, the habit sparked debates about how far people would go to pinch a penny.
Another crafty idea involved fabric strips dipped in a cornstarch-water mixture to seal drafts around windows and doors. Not only is it effective, but it's also an old-school trick that's stood the test of time– &#8220;I did this as a privacy screen on my biggest windows, but I appreciate the small amounts of heat savings they offer, though it was not my primary goal.&#8221;
See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>
Some folks took eco-frugality to another level by flushing their toilets with grey water from washing dishes or showers. One person even calculated that while this practice saved them next to nothing, it gave them a sense of satisfaction for using less.
In one of the more polarizing examples, someone's ex insisted on skipping seasonings altogether to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-save-money-fast">save money</a>, claiming the calories-per-dollar ratio wasn't worth it. This led to three months of bland, unseasoned rice and beans until the poster finally stole a salt shaker. "Worth it," they said. For one commenter, this was unhinged because, as they put it, a pound of salt is &#8220;like $1 and lasts forever.&#8221; Is it worth eating bland food every day just to save on that? They finally asked.
One commenter mentioned their sister, who wore her wedding dress from a previous marriage to her second wedding. While it raised eyebrows, others applauded the practicality. After all, it's just a dress.
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
The thread also included stories about people cutting expiration dates off coupons, reusing disposable cups to claim "free" refills and dumpster diving for receipts to get freebies at fast-food restaurants.
Many users pointed out that extreme frugality often stems from past experiences with poverty or financial insecurity. One commenter reflected on how their grandparents, who lived through the Great Depression, saved everything from aluminum lids to juice concentrate tubes. It was less about saving money and more about the fear of waste and scarcity.
From hilarious to heartwarming, these stories show how far people will go to save a dollar. Whether it's a quirky habit or a creative solution, there's no denying that extreme frugality takes ingenuity – and maybe just a little madness!
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

'This Is Unhinged' – A Reddit User Asks Others For 'Extreme Acts Of Frugality' They Witnessed And The Replies Are Shockingly Entertaining

XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) is surging on Thursday, driven by positive community developments and notable whale movements.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Market Cap</td>
<td>24-Hour Trend</td>
<td>7-Day Trend</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$2.43</td>
<td>$139.4 billion</td>
<td>+8.9%</td>
<td>+11.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$97,254.11</td>
<td>$1.92 trillion</td>
<td>+3.8%&nbsp;</td>
<td>+0.8%&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$3,471.67</td>
<td>$418.4 billion</td>
<td>+4.5%&nbsp;</td>
<td>+3.4%&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: Crypto trader Credibull Crypto commented "so far, so good" on the price surge, targeting the highs set by XRP in November.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Blue zone tapped as expected and a beautiful reaction off of it after. So far so good.<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24XRP&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$XRP</a> <a href="https://t.co/R8YQvesfrA">https://t.co/R8YQvesfrA</a> <a href="https://t.co/YGoEWpe9sR">pic.twitter.com/YGoEWpe9sR</a>
&mdash; CrediBULL Crypto (@CredibleCrypto) <a href="https://twitter.com/CredibleCrypto/status/1874552098861523319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Captain Faibik projected a bullish rally of another 50%, <a href="https://x.com/CryptoFaibik/status/1874686070312345730">targeting</a> a price of $3.66. 
Statistics: Whale Alert data <a href="https://x.com/whale_alert/status/1874453215451738346">shows</a> 300 million XRP, worth $649.8 million, transferred from an unknown wallet to Ripple. 
Another major <a href="https://x.com/whale_alert/status/1874349148662534270">transfer</a> of 500 million XRP, worth $1.07 billion, was unlocked from escrow at unknown wallet.  
The enterprise behind the Ripple payment protocol and exchange network, initiated this transfer.
Another transaction <a href="https://x.com/whale_alert/status/1874330664176062712">shows</a> 30 million XRP, worth $64 million, was transferred from an unknown wallet to Bitthumb.  
Crypto trader Ali Martinez noted whales having purchased 360 million XRP in the past 48 hours.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Whales bought 360 million <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24XRP&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$XRP</a> in the past 48 hours! <a href="https://t.co/w9OnuOK2x1">pic.twitter.com/w9OnuOK2x1</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1874837397617381798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Whale activity has sparked curiosity among traders and fueled optimism for XRP, with the altcoin&#8217;s open interest surging by 27.2% in just one day, reaching $2.5 billion. 
According to Coinglass, derivatives trading volume skyrocketed by 195.4%, climbing to $12.19 billion.
Community News: Following the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42423570/ripple-secures-nydfs-approval-for-rlusd-stablecoin-xrp-price-up-9">approval of Ripple&#8217;s RLUSD stablecoin</a>, community news have been buzzing with bullish rumors.
The Crypto Times <a href="https://www.cryptotimes.io/2024/12/30/80-of-japanese-banks-set-to-adopt-ripples-xrp-by-2025/">speculates</a> that nearly 80% of Japanese banks plan to adopt XRP by 2025, though the outlet did not cite a source for this figure.
A Binance community article mused that Ripple picking up the $300 trillion in global cross-border payments could cause XRP&#8217;s price to <a href="https://www.binance.com/en-IN/square/post/18238109732026">reach</a> $5,769. 
While XRP's integration into Ripple products solidifies its reputation in the cross-border payments market, this target is mere speculation and should more be taken as an indicator of bullish sentiment than as tangible development.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42736132/top-trader-paints-5x-jump-for-xrp-as-crypto-shows-one-of-the-most-promising-setups-heading-into-2025">XRP Poised For 450% Upside, Says Analyst, As Coin Shows &#8216;One Of The Most Promising Setups&#8217; Heading Into 2025</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$ETH

$XRP

XRP Price Surges 9%: What Is Going On With Ripple?

XPON

Expion360 Shares Resumed Trade

Dr. Zachary Levy&#8216;s viral post on X has amplified frustrations with the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42744629/unitedhealth-group-ceo-reportedly-says-company-will-hit-financial-records-execs-murder-public-outcry-are-backdrop-for-q4-earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. health insurance system</a>.
Levy said UnitedHealthcare Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) denied coverage for one of his ICU patients. He cited insufficient evidence of medical necessity despite the patient being in a coma and suffering from multiple life-threatening conditions.
Levy&#8217;s Dec. 30 <a href="https://x.com/ZLevyMD/status/1873925592242115036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1873925592242115036%7Ctwgr%5E20ae2a4723e8e2644de0a2f75b39f78be9b9d9bd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsweek.com%2Funited-healtchare-claim-deny-brian-thompson-luigi-mangione-insurance-2008307&amp;mx=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> garnered over 13 million views and reignited debates about insurer practices with a blunt quote: &#8220;Tear it all down.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">United Healthcare <a href="https://twitter.com/UHC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UHC</a> just denied a claim on one of my patients in the ICU with: &#8212; a brain hemorrhage &#8212; in a coma &#8212; on a ventilator &#8212; in heart failure &#8230;because I haven&#39;t proven to them that caring for her in the hospital was &quot;medically necessary&quot;. Tear it all down.
&mdash; Zachary D Levy MD &#x1f1f2;&#x1f1e6; &#x1f1e8;&#x1f1ee; (@ZLevyMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZLevyMD/status/1873925592242115036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Benzinga emailed United Healthcare for comment on Levy&#8217;s allegations. 
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42621731/nebraska-attorney-general-sues-unitedhealth-over-massive-data-breach-that-disrupted-healthcare" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nebraska Attorney General Sues UnitedHealth Over Massive Data Breach That Disrupted Healthcare</a>
Levy shared an email he wrote to UnitedHealthcare describing the patient&#8217;s treatment as critical for survival.
Newsweek&#8217;s <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/united-healtchare-claim-deny-brian-thompson-luigi-mangione-insurance-2008307" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> highlights UnitedHealthcare has faced lawsuits over its practices, including allegations that an AI tool used by the company resulted in a high error rate and denied necessary care to many patients.
The insurance giant has garnered immense attention following the murder of its insurance unit CEO, Brian Thompson, in New York.
Luigi Mangione, the alleged perpetrator, pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges. Police found shell casings at the scene with the words &#8220;deny,&#8221; &#8220;defend,&#8221; and &#8220;depose,&#8221; commonly associated with insurance industry strategies for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42710544/can-you-bet-on-luigi-mangiones-fate-betting-platforms-regulators-wrestle-with-limits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">handling claims and disputes</a>.
Authorities believe the crime may reflect a personal vendetta against UnitedHealthcare or the broader industry.
The homicide has brought fresh attention to systemic issues within the health insurance sector, with many calling for reforms. Executives have pledged to address these concerns, but critics remain skeptical about meaningful change.
Adding to the debate, media <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-12-uhg-response-wsj-recent-reporting-medicare-advantage.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> have scrutinized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans administered by companies like UnitedHealthcare.
However, proponents argue MA programs outperform traditional Medicare by emphasizing early diagnosis, coordinated care, and value-based clinical models, leading to better health outcomes and lower costs for seniors.
UnitedHealthcare claims its MA plans are delivering on their intended purpose despite negative portrayals.
As public scrutiny intensifies, calls for accountability and transparency within the insurance industry grow louder, fueled by high-profile incidents and ongoing patient struggles.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-12-13-uhg-statement-claims-misinformation.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">defended</a> its claim practices, stating it approves approximately 90% of claims upon submission, with less than 0.5% requiring further medical review. The company labeled recent criticisms as &#8220;highly inaccurate and grossly misleading.&#8221;
Price Action: UnitedHealthcare stock is down 0.02% at $505.76 at last check Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42767647/chinese-stocks-drop-as-manufacturing-growth-slows-and-geopolitical-tensions-hit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Stocks Drop As Manufacturing Growth Slows And Geopolitical Tensions Hit</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Health Care

General

Viral 'Tear It All Down' Post Sparks Debate Over UnitedHealthcare Practices, Alleges Denial Of ICU Care For Comatose Patient

Good Morning Traders! In today&#8217;s Market Clubhouse Morning Memo, we will discuss SPY, QQQ, AAPL, MSFT, NVDA, GOOGL, META, and TSLA.
Our proprietary formula, exclusive to Market Clubhouse, dictates these price levels. This dynamic equation takes into account price, volume, and options flow. These levels are updated every day and shared with all Clubhouse Members, prior to the opening of the market.
We recommend closely monitoring these stocks, and be prepared to leverage potential breakouts or reversals. As always, stay alert and ready to adjust your tactics based on the market&#8217;s pulse to optimize your trading gains. Now, let&#8217;s dive into the stock analysis:
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust
The SPY is currently trading near our pivotal level of 592.00. For bullish scenarios, buyers will aim for an initial move to 593.73. Sustained price action above 593.73 could lead to a push toward 596.57. If this level is maintained as support during regular trading hours, further upside potential exists, targeting 598.04. Our ambitious bull target for SPY today is set at 599.24.
On the downside, failure to maintain 592.00 as support could see sellers testing 589.71. If downward momentum intensifies, 587.31 becomes a critical level to watch. A breakdown below this support opens the door to 585.75. In an aggressive sell-off, we anticipate SPY could reach our low bear target of 584.68.
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1
The QQQ is hovering around the critical 517.97 level. Bulls need to assert dominance here, pushing the price higher to reclaim 519.87 as a solid support. If buyers remain consistent, a move toward 521.15 is expected. Continued strength in the auction could result in a test of 522.57, with our high bull target for the day at 523.91.
Conversely, inability to hold 517.97 during the session could shift control to the bears, leading to a retest of 516.58. Should selling pressure intensify, 515.00 and eventually 513.64 could come into play. Persistent bearish activity may drive the QQQ down to the low bear target of 511.53.
Apple Inc. 
Apple is currently trading near 250.39, a key level for today's session. Bulls need to maintain this level as support to pave the way for a rally to 252.13. If momentum builds, we could see further upside action toward 253.90. A sustained rally may ultimately lead to Apple reaching our high bull target of 255.16.
Failure to hold 250.39 as support could signal bearish intentions, driving the price lower to 249.04. Continued selling pressure might result in a move down to 248.12. If this level fails, 246.72 becomes the next target, with a deeper bearish session pushing Apple to the low bear target of 245.58.
Microsoft Corp. 
Microsoft is trading near the 427.36 level. Bulls need to maintain this as a support area to encourage a rally to 428.48. Holding above this level could fuel further upward movement toward 429.25. Should buying momentum persist, we expect Microsoft to test the high bull target of 430.25.
On the flip side, a failure at 427.36 might invite selling, leading to a drop to 426.00. Continued bearish momentum could press the price down to 425.16. If this weakness continues, we foresee a test at 423.81, with the low bear target for the day at 422.84.
NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA is trading near its pivotal level of 136.98. Bulls must reclaim 137.94 as a firm support level to set the stage for a rally to 138.55. If the buying trend holds, further advances to 139.42 are possible, with our high bull target on the day at 140.28.
Failure to sustain 136.98 could bring bears into play, testing 135.64. If selling continues, the price could fall to 134.56. Persistent downside action might see NVIDIA probing 133.31, with the low bear target for the day at 132.19.
Alphabet Inc Class A 
Alphabet is trading near the key level of 191.45. Bulls should aim to hold this level as support and push toward 192.19. A strong bullish presence could propel the price higher to 193.14, the high bull target for today.
If 191.45 fails to act as support, bears may test the downside at 190.41. A breakdown at this level could lead to 189.57. Heavy selling might result in Alphabet testing its low bear target at 188.73.
Meta Platforms Inc 
Meta is trading around 591.29, a critical level for today&#8217;s auction. Bulls need to hold this level and drive the price higher to 598.17. Sustained bullish momentum could lead to further advances toward 604.50, with the high bull target set at 609.30.
Should 591.29 fail to hold as support, bears may seize control, pushing the price down to 585.73. Continued sell-side activity could test 580.17. If this level breaks, Meta could reach the low bear target of 573.25.
Tesla Inc. 
Tesla is trading near 407.97, an important level to watch. Bulls will aim for an initial move to 413.10. If buying interest continues, the price could rally further to 416.62. A strong session might see Tesla testing 420.70, with the high bull target set at 426.23.
If 407.97 cannot hold, bears may target 403.43. Continued selling could drive Tesla lower to 399.03. If bearish pressure persists, Tesla might reach the low bear target of 390.23.
Final Word: As the first trading session of 2025 begins, today is marked by several key events. At 8:30 AM ET, the market will digest the Initial and Continuing Jobless Claims, providing early insights into the labor market. Shortly after, at 9:45 AM ET, the release of the Final S&amp;P Global Manufacturing PMI for December will offer a snapshot of economic health.
Midday, at 11:30 AM ET, the Treasury&#8217;s 4 and 8 week Bill Auction could impact short-term yields. With many institutional desks still on holiday, trading may lack liquidity, leading to potential spikes in volatility. Traders are advised to exercise caution, manage risk effectively, and stay prepared for rapid market movements. Have a productive session, trade wisely, and cheers to a prosperous 2025!
The Morning Memo is curated by RIPS, a pro trader with years of experience in equities, options, and futures trading. RIPS is at the heart of the exclusive Market Clubhouse community, offering his insights, expertise, and real-time mentorship.
Start your day with a live daily market analysis, a carefully selected watch list, early access to the Morning Memo, and exclusive Market Clubhouse price levels, providing precise support and resistance indicators. When you become a member of Market Clubhouse, you will gain early access to the Morning Memo, just like this one, every single day—hours before it&#8217;s published. You will also have access to a live stream with zero latency and screen sharing, enabling you to witness Rips executing his trades in real-time and sharing his exclusive trading plans, strategies, and live decision-making.
For a limited time during our special promotion, you can join RIPS and get a full access pass to Market Clubhouse for 7 full days for just $7. Check it out at <a href="https://marketclubhouse.club/7Days/" title="https://marketclubhouse.club/7Days/">https://marketclubhouse.club/7Days/</a> where you can trade live with him and tap into his wealth of knowledge and experience. You can also catch Rips on his live day trading streams every Monday-Friday at 8 am EST on the Market Clubhouse YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MarketClubhouse" title="https://www.youtube.com/@MarketClubhouse">https://www.youtube.com/@MarketClubhouse</a>.

Market Clubhouse Morning Memo - January 2nd, 2024 (Trade Strategy For SPY, QQQ, AAPL, MSFT, NVDA, GOOGL, META and TSLA)

On Thursday, Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XEL#NASDAQ">XEL</a>) announced that it will extend the operation of its Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, following a recent license renewal by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b42767152/xcel-energys-monticello-nuclear-plant-receives-federal-approval-to-extend-operations" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.</a>
The federal approval allows the plant to continue operating for an additional 20 years, until 2050, subject to approval by state regulators. This extension is pivotal to Xcel Energy&#8217;s goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by reinforcing the role of nuclear energy in its clean energy transition.
The Monticello plant has been a vital source of clean, safe, and reliable energy for more than 500,000 homes in the Upper Midwest.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42743937/natural-gas-prices-spike-as-bone-chilling-arctic-blast-approaches" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Gas Prices Spike As &#8216;Bone-Chilling&#8217; Arctic Blast Approaches</a>
Xcel Energy Chairman, President, and CEO Bob Frenzel emphasized the importance of the plant in accelerating the company&#8217;s clean energy journey.
&#8220;As the only 24/7 carbon-free energy source we have, nuclear energy will be key to accelerating our journey to a clean energy future while ensuring we also meet the unprecedented growth in our customers&#8217; demand for electricity,&#8221; Frenzel added.
The NRC&#8217;s decision follows a thorough multi-year review process, including extensive inspections, audits, and technical assessments to ensure the plant meets rigorous safety and environmental standards.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has already approved extending Monticello&#8217;s operations through 2040, and Xcel Energy will seek further approval for the remaining 10 years.
In addition to its environmental role, the Monticello plant is a major economic contributor to the region, providing significant employment and tax revenue to the local community.
Price Action: XEL shares are trading lower by 0.64% to $67.09 at last check Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42734220/bill-ackman-sends-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-stocks-soaring-trump-likes-big-deals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Ackman Sends Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Stocks Soaring: &#8216;Trump Likes Big Deals&#8217;</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Equities

Xcel Energy Secures 20-Year License Extension For Monticello Nuclear Plant, Boosting Clean Energy Goals

FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October

Comments

FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October

News

Latest news for FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (BATS:XOCT)

Popular Channels

Tools & Features

Partners & Contributors

About Benzinga