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Bitcoin (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTC#NASDAQ">BTC</a>) could reach an impressive $200,000 by the end of 2025, driven by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42325788/fed-chair-powell-bitcoin-is-like-gold-just-virtual-and-digital">surging institutional inflows</a> and greater adoption by traditional financial institutions, according to Standard Chartered&#8216;s Geoffrey Kendrick.
What Happened: Kendrick highlighted the robust institutional demand that has propelled Bitcoin past the $100,000 mark this year, with expectations for even greater momentum in the years ahead.
"Institutional inflows into Bitcoin have dominated 2024, with net purchases reaching 683,000 BTC year-to-date," Kendrick said in a note shared with Benzinga. "We believe these flows will continue at or above this pace in 2025, driven by regulatory changes and increasing participation from traditional finance."
Kendrick attributed Bitcoin's new all time high to significant institutional activity, including purchases by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42317024/bitcoin-ethereum-etfs-recorded-over-800-million-in-inflows-on-tuesday">U.S. spot ETFs</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42331483/michael-saylors-bitcoin-strategy-drives-microstrategys-490-surge-hedge-fund-cio-says-its-an-extreme-example-of-volatility-monetization">corporate buyers</a> like MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>).
Notably, 245,000 BTC were purchased in the weeks following the U.S. election, highlighting the confidence institutional investors have in Bitcoin as a long-term asset. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42338347/bitcoin-to-emerge-as-premier-store-of-value-asset-hit-1-million-by-2033-says-bernstein">Bitcoin To Emerge As &#8216;Premier Store Of Value Asset,&#8217; Hit $1 Million By 2033, Says Bernstein</a>
Why It Matters: MicroStrategy alone has added 213,000 BTC to its holdings this year, and its planned acquisitions for 2025 are expected to match or exceed this pace.
The report identifies U.S. retirement funds and sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) as critical players for Bitcoin's future growth. 
Currently, pension funds account for just 1% of the holdings across nine U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, per SEC 13F filings. 
Kendrick anticipates this percentage to rise significantly in 2025, fueled by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42269038/crypto-faces-regulatory-shift-as-gensler-exits-and-trump-prepares-to-overhaul-sec-approach">expected regulatory changes</a> under the Donald Trump administration, making it easier for traditional finance to enter the digital asset space.
Even a fractional allocation from the $40 trillion U.S. retirement fund market could dramatically impact Bitcoin prices.
"We would turn even more bullish if we saw rapid adoption from U.S. retirement funds, sovereign wealth funds, or even a potential U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve," Kendrick stated.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42343200/bitcoin-breaks-100000-as-mcdonalds-brings-back-the-mcrib-buy-signal-or-spurious-correlation">Bitcoin Breaks $100,000 As McDonald&#8217;s Brings Back The McRib: Buy Signal Or Spurious Correlation?</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

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$BTC

MSTR

Bitcoin Set To Hit $200,000 By End Of 2025, Says Standard Chartered

As interest in psychedelic medicine grows, researchers are increasingly turning to natural substances like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ayahuasca">ayahuasca</a> to explore their potential in treating mental health disorders. A recent <a href="https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-scientists-based-psychedelic-affects-circuits.html">review</a> by researchers at the University of São Paulo sheds light on how ayahuasca &#8211; a traditional Amazonian brew containing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dmt">DMT</a> and β-carbolins &#8211; influences brain circuits associated with fear, anxiety and emotional processing. This synthesis of over a decade of research offers valuable insights into how ayahuasca may be used <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psychedelic-assisted-therapies">therapeutically</a> for conditions such as PTSD and anxiety disorders.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42344238/aaron-rodgers-opens-up-about-psychedelic-healing-in-new-netflix-docuseries-enigma">Aaron Rodgers Opens Up About Psychedelic Healing In New Netflix Docuseries, &#8216;Enigma&#8217;</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DMT and β-Carbolines: Key Components In Emotional Regulation</h3>
Ayahuasca's primary psychoactive compound, DMT, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/04/31444856/how-dmt-affects-the-brains-advanced-functions-scientists-reveal-the-truth">acts on serotonin receptors in the brain</a>, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This receptor plays a vital role in emotional regulation and has long been associated with the effects of various psychedelics. 
&#8220;By examining evidence across multiple levels—from receptor interactions to clinical outcomes—we can better understand how this traditional medicine might help treat anxiety and trauma-related disorders,&#8221; says Dr. Rafael Guimarães dos Santos, one of the authors of the review,
But ayahuasca's effects extend beyond just DMT. The brew's β-carboline compounds, which include harmine and harmaline, engage different molecular pathways to affect memory and anxiety. The review highlights that the combination of these two substances—DMT's primary action on the 5-HT2A receptor and the β-carbolines' distinct mechanisms—seems to be crucial for both the immediate and long-term therapeutic effects of ayahuasca.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Promoting Fear Extinction And Emotional Processing</h3>
One of the most compelling findings in the review is ayahuasca's potential role in fear extinction, the process through which learned fear responses diminish over time. This is particularly important for individuals with anxiety disorders and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ptsd">PTSD</a>, where fear responses can become persistent and debilitating. Ayahuasca's dual action on serotonin receptors could help &#8220;rewire&#8221; the brain, aiding in the reduction of these entrenched emotional responses.
Brain imaging studies reviewed in the article also show that ayahuasca influences regions of the brain crucial for emotional regulation, such as the amygdala and hippocampus. These brain areas are involved in processing and storing emotional memories, which can be altered in people suffering from trauma and anxiety. The review suggests that ayahuasca may help recalibrate the brain's emotional processing systems, offering hope for those struggling with these disorders.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Need For Rigorous Clinical Trials</h3>
While the preclinical evidence regarding ayahuasca's effects on the brain is promising, clinical trials are still limited. Dr. dos Santos emphasizes that &#8220;we need more rigorous clinical studies to understand the optimal therapeutic applications.&#8221; Current evidence points to ayahuasca&#8217;s potential in treating PTSD and anxiety disorders, but more controlled trials are necessary to determine the precise therapeutic protocols.
One of the key questions for researchers is the timing and preparation of ayahuasca. The review suggests that different formulations of the brew might be better suited for different therapeutic purposes. Additionally, individual differences in serotonin receptor systems could affect how a person responds to ayahuasca, making personalized treatment regimens an important area of future study.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Safety Considerations And Controlled Use</h3>
Given ayahuasca's powerful psychoactive properties, its use in therapeutic settings requires careful consideration. The review stresses the importance of administering the brew in controlled environments to minimize risks and maximize therapeutic outcomes. As Dr. dos Santos notes, ayahuasca&#8217;s complex pharmacology requires that healthcare providers account for individual patient factors, including pre-existing mental health conditions and other medications that could interact with the brew&#8217;s compounds. Such careful consideration ensures that patients receive the full benefit of ayahuasca's therapeutic potential while reducing the risk of adverse effects.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Path Forward For Psychedelic Medicine</h3>
Ayahuasca's potential as a treatment for mental health disorders, particularly PTSD and anxiety, is becoming increasingly clear. As the psychedelic medicine field evolves, this traditional brew offers a promising path for therapeutic intervention. However, more clinical trials are needed to fully understand its therapeutic applications and to optimize treatment protocols.&nbsp;
In the meantime, ayahuasca remains a fascinating subject of both scientific exploration and traditional healing, with its complex effects on the brain offering hope for those in search of new solutions to emotional and psychological challenges.
Cover image made with AI

Cannabis

Psychedelics

Mapping How Ayahuasca Affects Fear Circuits: Key Insights From New Research

Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane maintains Foot Locker (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FL#NYSE">FL</a>) with a Sell and lowers the price target from $25 to $22.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Goldman Sachs Maintains Sell on Foot Locker, Lowers Price Target to $22

Trading Ideas

ORIS

Oriental Rise Shares Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Downside, Stock Now Down -10.1%

Goldman Sachs analyst George Tong maintains Fair Isaac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NYSE">FICO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $2374 to $2661.

FICO

Goldman Sachs Maintains Buy on Fair Isaac, Raises Price Target to $2661

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Industrials sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$1.0 million</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>10.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$28.5K</td>
<td>369</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$30.5K</td>
<td>128</td>
<td>694</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UBER</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$172.3K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SYM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>401</td>
<td>268</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$167.50</td>
<td>$127.5K</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>153</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RKLB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$44.8K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>108</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$43.2K</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$28.8K</td>
<td>127</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding DAL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 8585 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $1.0 million, with a price of $120.0 per contract. There were 1169 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10031 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BE#NYSE">BE</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 43 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $26.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.5K, with a price of $285.0 per contract. There were 369 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1676 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UAL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 197 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $135.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.5K, with a price of $610.0 per contract. There were 128 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 694 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UBER (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 253 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 265 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $172.3K, with a price of $650.0 per contract. There were 1471 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 400 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SYM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 162 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $22.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.9K, with a price of $1020.0 per contract. There were 401 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 268 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 15 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 112 contract(s) at a $167.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $127.5K, with a price of $1140.0 per contract. There were 67 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 153 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RKLB (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 771 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 35 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.8K, with a price of $1280.0 per contract. There were 1747 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 108 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TT#NYSE">TT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 197 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.2K, with a price of $4320.0 per contract. There were 3 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 20 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AXON (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 15 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.8K, with a price of $28852.0 per contract. There were 127 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

AXON

RKLB

UBER

9 Industrials Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

<a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cc91fda7-4669-4d1b-81ce-a0b8d77f25ab/downloads/f0c5c035-9645-45de-9d97-1d0fab1c779d/Culper_TREE_12-5-2024.pdf?ver=1733419998258" title="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cc91fda7-4669-4d1b-81ce-a0b8d77f25ab/downloads/f0c5c035-9645-45de-9d97-1d0fab1c779d/Culper_TREE_12-5-2024.pdf?ver=1733419998258">https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cc91fda7-4669-4d1b-81ce-a0b8d77f25ab/downloads/f0c5c035-9645-45de-9d97-1d0fab1c779d/Culper_TREE_12-5-2024.pdf?ver=1733419998258</a>

Short Sellers

TREE

Watching LendingTree; Culper Research Issues Report On Co Titled "LendingTree, Inc. (TREE): Timber!"

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/13/24</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$126.0K</td>
<td>711</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$162.3K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>939</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$54.2K</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>742</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$830.00</td>
<td>$28.3K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>520</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$96.7K</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>474</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DHR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/06/24</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$279.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>306</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$89.1K</td>
<td>8.4K</td>
<td>289</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MEDP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$25.8K</td>
<td>224</td>
<td>178</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$29.4K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td>145</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ELV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
<td>$28.2K</td>
<td>348</td>
<td>58</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For AMGN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 8 day(s) on December 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 618 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $126.0K, with a price of $205.0 per contract. There were 711 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1006 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For JNJ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 106 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 800 contract(s) at a $160.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $162.3K, with a price of $203.0 per contract. There were 2021 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 939 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HUM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 197 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 21 contract(s) at a $310.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.2K, with a price of $2582.0 per contract. There were 71 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 742 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 15 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 13 contract(s) at a $830.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.3K, with a price of $2176.0 per contract. There were 2007 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 520 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 22 day(s) on December 27, 2024. Parties traded 117 contract(s) at a $600.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 17 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $96.7K, with a price of $830.0 per contract. There were 17 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 474 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DHR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHR#NYSE">DHR</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on December 6, 2024. Parties traded 266 contract(s) at a $240.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $279.3K, with a price of $1050.0 per contract. There were 1000 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 306 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 43 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 99 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $89.1K, with a price of $900.0 per contract. There were 8479 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 289 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MEDP (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEDP#NASDAQ">MEDP</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 15 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $340.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.8K, with a price of $860.0 per contract. There were 224 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 178 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 771 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 70 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.4K, with a price of $420.0 per contract. There were 4153 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 145 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ELV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 15 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 47 contract(s) at a $390.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 18 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.2K, with a price of $600.0 per contract. There were 348 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 58 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AMGN

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

MEDP

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/06/24</td>
<td>$146.00</td>
<td>$25.4K</td>
<td>30.2K</td>
<td>110.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/06/24</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$96.8K</td>
<td>8.8K</td>
<td>25.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$30.6K</td>
<td>33.8K</td>
<td>12.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/06/24</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$28.0K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>9.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MARA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/13/24</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$32.1K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RGTI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.50</td>
<td>$26.0K</td>
<td>13.9K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BTDR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$43.0K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SOUN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/13/24</td>
<td>$13.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td>426</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$796.1K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$53.5K</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on December 6, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $146.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.4K, with a price of $127.0 per contract. There were 30209 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 110052 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 1 day(s) on December 6, 2024. This event was a transfer of 220 contract(s) at a $440.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 20 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $96.8K, with a price of $440.0 per contract. There were 8823 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25831 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 990 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.6K, with a price of $31.0 per contract. There were 33812 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12443 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on December 6, 2024. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.0K, with a price of $1400.0 per contract. There were 5507 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 9826 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MARA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 8 day(s) on December 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 150 contract(s) at a $26.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.1K, with a price of $214.0 per contract. There were 5512 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4638 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RGTI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $3.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.0K, with a price of $52.0 per contract. There were 13971 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4031 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BTDR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTDR#NASDAQ">BTDR</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 106 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.0K, with a price of $430.0 per contract. There were 9516 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3705 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SOUN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 8 day(s) on December 13, 2024. Parties traded 179 contract(s) at a $13.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.0K, with a price of $173.0 per contract. There were 426 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3509 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For APP (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 43 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 214 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 20 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $796.1K, with a price of $3720.0 per contract. There were 2147 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2411 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AMAT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 78 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.5K, with a price of $1070.0 per contract. There were 4686 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1862 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AAPL

AMAT

BTDR

MARA

MSFT

NVDA

RGTI

SOUN

10 Information Technology Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Goldman Sachs analyst David Roman maintains Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EW#NYSE">EW</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $81 to $90.

Goldman Sachs Maintains Buy on Edwards Lifesciences, Raises Price Target to $90

Bernstein analyst Peter Weed maintains SentinelOne (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/S#NYSE">S</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $32 to $30.

Bernstein Maintains Outperform on SentinelOne, Lowers Price Target to $30

Goldman Sachs analyst Joe Ritchie maintains Core &amp; Main (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNM#NYSE">CNM</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $50 to $57.

Goldman Sachs Maintains Neutral on Core & Main, Raises Price Target to $57

Goldman Sachs analyst Alexandra Steiger maintains Chewy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHWY#NYSE">CHWY</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $35 to $40.

CHWY

Goldman Sachs Maintains Buy on Chewy, Raises Price Target to $40

Goldman Sachs analyst James Schneider maintains AT&amp;T (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $25 to $28.

Goldman Sachs Maintains Buy on AT&T, Raises Price Target to $28

Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) short percent of float has risen 15.52% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.65 million shares sold short, which is 1.34% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.22 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Lockheed Martin Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733419823_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Lockheed Martin has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Lockheed Martin's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Lockheed Martin's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.35%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Ideas

Peering Into Lockheed Martin's Recent Short Interest

Quanta Services's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PWR#NYSE">PWR</a>) short percent of float has risen 16.27% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 4.45 million shares sold short, which is 3.43% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.19 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Quanta Services Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733419817_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Quanta Services has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Quanta Services's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Quanta Services's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.46%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

How Is The Market Feeling About Quanta Services?

ZSPC

zSpace Shares Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Upside, Stock Now Trading At $9.25/Share

Targa Resources's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRGP#NYSE">TRGP</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.38% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.30 million shares sold short, which is 1.76% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.96 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Targa Resources Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733419812_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Targa Resources has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Targa Resources's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Targa Resources's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.11%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

TRGP

(TRGP) - Analyzing Targa Resources's Short Interest

Benchmark analyst Mark Palmer downgrades Shift4 Payments (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOUR#NYSE">FOUR</a>) from Buy to Hold.

Downgrades

FOUR

Benchmark Downgrades Shift4 Payments to Hold

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U.S. Court Rejects Plea Agreement In Boeing Case In District Court Northern District Of Texas

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