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With Vice President Kamala Harris leading in polls of some key battleground states, billionaires and institutional heavyweights are preparing for a possible Democratic sweep in November.
Legendary investor Warren Buffett has dumped millions of shares of stocks over the last few months, and is now sitting on a record $276 billion in cash—and fellow billionaire Elon Musk says the timing is no coincidence.
"Buffett is already preparing for this outcome," Must tweeted on Thursday—and billionaire John Paulson, who made a fortune betting against the housing bubble in the mid-2000s, is saying he will also pull his money from markets if Harris wins.
Even so, a handful of stocks stand to benefit from a Democratic win in November, as a President Harris would pour hundreds of billions of dollars into clean energy and healthcare, for example.
Here are three top stocks to buy should Harris win on November 5.
Harris Hedge #1: UnitedHealth Corp. (UNH)
President Trump has promised to end Obamacare—the health reform law that made it mandatory for Americans over age 26 to purchase health insurance or paya&nbsp; fine, with few exceptions.
The law was a godsend for health insurer giant UnitedHealth Corp. (UNH), which surged 4,200% in the dozen years following the law's implementation.
A Harris victory would reassure markets that the federal government's flow of health care subsidies—which amounted to hundreds of billions of dollars over the years—will continue uninterrupted.
Of course, it's unlikely that UNH can repeat its feat of surging thousands of percent, as it's already a $500 billion health insurance giant. But UNH is already on many analysts' radar as a likely candidate to become the first trillion-dollar health insurer, and analysts are forecasting 21.8% growth for UNH this quarter alone.
Harris Hedge No. 2: NextEra Energy (NEE)
In 2022, Vice President Harris cast the tie-breaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act, a law pouring $369 billion into clean energy companies.
The law included hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits for clean energy companies—and The New York Times has singled out NextEra Energy (NEE) as perhaps the best-positioned to profit from this tidal wave of cash.
NEE recently raised its dividend by 10%, and now pays a yield of 2.5% that is almost double the S&amp;P 500 average dividend yield. It has raised payouts once a year since 1994, providing investors with a growing income stream.
Harris Hedge No. 3: Realty Income Corp. (O)
In 2017, President Trump slashed the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and markets surged. But Kamala Harris has vowed to repeal the Trump tax cuts, which would drag down most stocks as companies faced a higher tax rate.
That's not the case with Realty Income Corp. (O).
This real estate investment trust (REIT) company enjoys a tax structure that exempts it from paying federal tax on net taxable income that it sends to shareholders.
Because REITs must pay 90% of their net income back to shareholders, this means at least 90% of their net income would be effectively shielded from the higher tax rate—making them more resilient if the repealing of the Trump tax cuts causes a selloff in markets. Realty Income pays a 5.5% yield as of this writing—more than 3x as high as the average S&amp;P 500 company's dividend yield. It has also grown its monthly payouts for over a decade.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=mo7op1spmireml22&amp;utm_source=RD-0923">How to Stop Guessing and Start Winning More Trades, a Predictable and Consistent Income with Options is Possible, Click Here and Get Access to These Trades Now</a>
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Opinion

3 Stocks To Buy In Case Harris Wins In November

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Carnival. Our analysis of options history for Carnival (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 77% of traders were bullish, while 22% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $98,829, and 6 were calls, valued at $208,376.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $16.0 to $35.0 for Carnival over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Carnival's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Carnival's whale trades within a strike price range from $16.0 to $35.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Carnival Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109940_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 style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$2.81</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$53.2K</td>
<td>713</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">442</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$1.32</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$1.32</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td>246</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">352</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CCL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$39.0K</td>
<td>488</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">76</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$1.58</td>
<td>$0.77</td>
<td>$1.58</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$31.6K</td>
<td>7.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CCL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.11</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$30.4K</td>
<td>307</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">98</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Carnival</h3>
Carnival is the largest global cruise company, with 92 ships in service at the end of fiscal 2023. Its portfolio of brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America; P&amp;O Cruises and Cunard Line in the United Kingdom; Aida in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe. It's currently folding its P&amp;O Australia brand into Carnival. The firm also owns Holland America Princess Alaska Tours in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Carnival's brands attracted nearly 13 million guests in 2019, prior to covid-19, a level it reached again in 2023.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Carnival, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is Carnival Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 12,725,200, the CCL's price is down by -1.26%, now at $18.76. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 7 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Carnival</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $26.0.
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; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Mizuho continues to hold a Outperform rating for Carnival, targeting a price of $25. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Stifel keeps a Buy rating on Carnival with a target price of $27. 
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 Carnival options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

What the Options Market Tells Us About Carnival

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Palantir Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</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 PLTR usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 34 extraordinary options activities for Palantir Technologies. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 55% leaning bullish and 32% bearish. Among these notable options, 10 are puts, totaling $384,560, and 24 are calls, amounting to $1,431,757.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $15.0 to $55.0 for Palantir Technologies over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Palantir Technologies's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Palantir Technologies's whale trades within a strike price range from $15.0 to $55.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Palantir Technologies Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109935_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$185.6K</td>
<td>23.4K</td>
<td>235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$11.6</td>
<td>$11.55</td>
<td>$11.6</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
<td>$174.0K</td>
<td>11.6K</td>
<td>173</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$0.58</td>
<td>$0.57</td>
<td>$0.59</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$152.5K</td>
<td>8.0K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$0.92</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$0.92</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
<td>$97.1K</td>
<td>8.0K</td>
<td>7.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.67</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$83.4K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>802</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Palantir Technologies</h3>
Palantir is an analytical software company that focuses on leveraging data to create efficiencies in its clients' organizations. The firm serves commercial and government clients via its Foundry and Gotham platforms, respectively. The Denver-based company was founded in 2003 and went public in 2020.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Palantir Technologies, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Where Is Palantir Technologies Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 43,824,352, with PLTR's price up by 1.23%, positioned at $37.66.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 38 days.</li>
</ul>
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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 Palantir Technologies, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

PLTR

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on PLTR Options

Chinese stocks surged to their highest levels in four months on Monday, following the People&#8217;s Bank of China&#8217;s (PBoC) slashing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/interest-rates">a key interest rate</a>.
The surprise move reignites hopes for additional stimulus in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/china">world&#8217;s second-largest economy.</a> 
The iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXI#NYSE">FXI</a>) — which tracks major Chinese firms like Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), Tencent Holding Ltd. (OTCPK: TCEHY), JD.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>), and Baidu Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NYSE">BIDU</a>) — is up more than 2% as of 11:20 a.m. ET in New York. It&#8217;s a level not seen since late May.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">PBoC Cuts Rates, Inject Liquidity</h3>
On Sept. 23, the People&#8217;s Bank of China unexpectedly reduced the 14-day reverse repurchase rate by 10 basis points to 1.85%, down from 1.95%.
Additionally, the central bank injected CNY 74.5 billion ($10.2 billion) of liquidity into the banking system through this operation, according to an official statement. The PBoC also pumped CNY 160.1 billion via seven-day reverse repos, maintaining the rate at 1.7%.
These measures come on the heels of the central bank's decision last week to keep key lending rates at record lows, following surprise cuts in July. 
Monday&#8217;s policy moves in China are likely seen as part of broader efforts to stimulate consumption ahead of the National Day Holiday, a week-long break that starts on Oct. 1. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>
Chinese ADRs (American Depository Receipts) rallied sharply in response, outpacing broader market gains. 
Other Chinese-linked ETFs made moves Monday:
<ul>
<li>Kraneshares CSI China Internet ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KWEB#NYSE">KWEB</a>) was up 2%</li>
<li>iShares MSCI China (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHI#NASDAQ">MCHI</a>), up 1.7%</li>
<li>Invesco China Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CQQQ#NYSE">CQQQ</a>) up1.6%.</li>
</ul>
On the same day, the U.S. Commerce Department proposed a ban on the import and sale of Chinese-made vehicles equipped with automated driving systems and critical communications software and hardware due <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/09/40981254/chinese-vehicle-tech-faces-biden-administration-ban-over-national-security-concerns-china-ev-stocks">to national security concerns</a>.
This ban is scheduled to take effect in 2027. 
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers like Shanghai-based NIO Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) and Guangzhou, China-based Xpeng Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NASDAQ">XPEV</a>) also joined the broader country stock rally despite the potential negative challenges from the new regulation.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Monday&#8217;s Movers Among Largest Chinese Stocks</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Market Cap</td>
<td>1-Day %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alibaba Group Holding Limited</td>
<td>$210.26B</td>
<td>2.44%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTES#NASDAQ">NTES</a>)</td>
<td>$ 52.23B</td>
<td>2.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JD.com, Inc.</td>
<td>$ 43.60B</td>
<td>4.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Baidu, Inc.</td>
<td>$ 31.10B</td>
<td>3.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Li Auto Inc.</td>
<td>$ 22.26B</td>
<td>3.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DiDi Global Inc.</td>
<td>$ 19.42B</td>
<td>0.75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KE Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEKE#NYSE">BEKE</a>)</td>
<td>$ 18.20B</td>
<td>5.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.</td>
<td>$ 17.43B</td>
<td>-0.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TME#NASDAQ">TME</a>)</td>
<td>$ 16.34B</td>
<td>4.44%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUMC#NYSE">YUMC</a>) </td>
<td>$ 13.85B</td>
<td>2.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NIO Inc.</td>
<td>$ 11.53B</td>
<td>3.13%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40983043/us-services-growth-tops-estimate-contraction-in-manufacturing-worsens-reacceleratio">US Services Growth Tops Estimate, Contraction In Manufacturing Worsens: &#8216;Reacceleration Of Inflation&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Unsplash

Asia

Government

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Regulations

Economics

Tech

BABA

BEKE

BIDU

CQQQ

KWEB

MCHI

NTES

TCEHY

XPEV

YUMC

Chinese Stocks Defy Biden's Auto Import Ban Concerns, Rally To 4-Month Highs As Central Bank Unexpectedly Slashes Interest Rates

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Valero Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VLO#NYSE">VLO</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with VLO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Valero Energy.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 77% bullish and 22%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $360,876, and 3 are calls, for a total amount of $102,330.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $110.0 to $150.0 for Valero Energy over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Valero Energy stands at 4645.71, with a total volume reaching 901.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Valero Energy, situated within the strike price corridor from $110.0 to $150.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Valero Energy Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109930_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VLO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$8.6</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$8.45</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$122.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">306</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">122</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VLO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.35</td>
<td>$8.42</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$68.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">306</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VLO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$14.8</td>
<td>$14.55</td>
<td>$14.55</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$65.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">219</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VLO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$12.05</td>
<td>$11.8</td>
<td>$11.8</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$53.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">846</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VLO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$43.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">791</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">101</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Valero Energy</h3>
Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 15 refineries, with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 12 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.6 billion gallons a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has the capacity to produce 1.2 billion gallons per year of renewable diesel.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Valero Energy</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 962,494, the VLO's price is down by -0.5%, now at $133.79. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 31 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Valero Energy</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $149.25.
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&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Mizuho keeps a Outperform rating on Valero Energy with a target price of $171. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Goldman Sachs persists with their Sell rating on Valero Energy, maintaining a target price of $131. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Piper Sandler lowers its rating to Neutral with a new price target of $123. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Wells Fargo continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for Valero Energy, targeting a price of $172. 
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Valero Energy's Options: A Look at What the Big Money is Thinking

China, a country with one of the lowest retirement ages in the world, will raise its retirement age starting in January 2025. At that time, China will gradually increase its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40964924/most-people-expect-to-retire-at-67-but-56-retire-sooner-can-you-guess-the-actual-average-retirem">retirement age</a> over the next 15 years.&nbsp;
Currently, the retirement ages in China are 60 for men and 50 for women in blue-collar jobs and 55 for women in white-collar jobs. The increase will put the retirement age for men at 63 and for women, it will be 55 for blue-collar workers and 58 for white-collar workers.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why is China Raising Its Retirement Age?&nbsp;</h2>
China's current retirement ages were set in the 1950s when life expectancy was much lower. Back then, people lived to be around 40 years old. Now, the average life expectancy in China is about 77 years old. With a larger aging population, the country is facing a problem as there are fewer people to fund China's pension system.&nbsp;
By 2035, about 400 million people in China will be over 60. China's pension system is dependent on contributions from current workers. However, with fewer people in younger generations, the workforce is smaller than the aging population. Experts have even warned that the public pension fund could run out of money by 2035 if no changes are made.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Global Issue</h2>
China isn't the only country facing this problem. The United States and other countries in Europe and Asia struggle to determine the best ways to support their aging populations. If some real change isn&#8217;t made, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40817544/report-warns-of-16-500-annual-social-security-benefit-cut-for-dual-income-couples-by-2033">U.S. Social Security system</a> won't be able to pay full benefits to its beneficiaries starting in 2033.&nbsp;
Like China, the U.S. depends on payroll taxes from current workers to fund retirement benefits. As the number of retirees grows and the number of younger workers shrinks, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39987197/where-have-all-the-pensions-gone-financial-peril-awaits-americas-near-retirees">pension systems</a> are feeling the strain.&nbsp;
Trending: Mark Cuban believes &#8220;the next wave of revenue generation is around real estate and entertainment&#8221; —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> this new real estate fund allows you to get started with just $100.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain</h2>
China's decision to raise the retirement age will help stabilize its pension system, but the change won't be easy. The country already faces high unemployment among young people, and older workers staying longer could worsen this problem. However, most experts agree that this change is necessary to protect the future of China's pension fund.
"This is happening everywhere," said Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. "But in China, with its large elderly population, the challenge is much larger."
Trending: Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/evergreen-money"> re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account — start saving better today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global Implications</h2>
China's move could influence other countries to reexamine their pension systems. As life expectancy continues to rise and birthrates fall, many countries will have to raise their retirement age or risk running out of funds for retirees. Japan, Germany and France have made similar changes in recent years to help keep their pension systems afloat.
China's policy change might serve as a wake-up call for the U.S. and other nations. Governments must find creative ways to adjust their pension systems to avoid long-term financial problems.
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<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>
</ul>

Personal Finance

China Raises Retirement Age For The First Time In Decades: What It Means For Global Pension Systems

MSCI (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msci#NYSE">MSCI</a>) shares moved up 6.7% in the past year compared with the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector&#39;s return of 39.8% and the Zacks Business - Software Services sector&#39;s rise of 29.2%.
The underperformance is likely to have been caused by a tighter spending environment and longer sales cycles due to challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Increasing pricing pressure is also a major concern, primarily due to the growing availability of free indices from providers like Morningstar (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/morn#NASDAQ">MORN</a>).
As Morningstar continues to offer more accessible options, self-indexing and lower spending by asset managers on gathering data are other headwinds.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>MSCI Inc Price and Consensus</h3>
<img alt="MSCI Inc Price and Consensus" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/20/1727099080.png" style="height:278px; width:620px" title="" />
MSCI Inc price-consensus-chart | MSCI Inc Quote
Despite these challenges, MSCI is benefiting from strong demand for custom and factor index modules, recurring revenue business models and the growing adoption of its ESG and Climate solutions in the investment process.
Hence, investors should ask this question &mdash; is now the right time to invest in MSCI&#39;s shares given the current market challenges and MSCI&#39;s performance?
</div>
<h3>Will MSCI&#39;s Strong Portfolio Drive Growth?</h3>
MSCI&#39;s expanding portfolio along with robust adoption of its Climate and ESG solutions, have been a major growth driver.
In July, the company announced a partnership with Moody&#39;s, marking a milestone in advancing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) transparency in financial markets.
MSCI announced a partnership with Moody&#39;s. The partnership will leverage MSCI&#39;s robust sustainability data and models, widely utilized by major asset managers worldwide, to bolster Moody&#39;s offerings across banking, insurance and corporate sectors.
Moody&#39;s will also integrate MSCI&#39;s industry-leading ESG ratings and content into its solutions, gradually replacing its own ESG data offerings. The agreement also entails MSCI gaining access to Moody&#39;s extensive Orbis database, paving the way for expanded private company ESG coverage and exploration into advanced solutions for the private credit market.
MSCI&#39;s partnership with Microsoft has further expanded its clientele and is considered a major positive for the company.
The partnership with Microsoft aims to enhance the global investment industry by leveraging Microsoft&#39;s cloud and AI technologies to modernize MSCI&#39;s products and drive ESG solutions.
In second-quarter 2024, MSCI achieved 10% organic revenue growth, driven by strong performance across various segments, including Analytics, ESG and Index Investments. The company witnessed growth in its ESG and Climate solutions, with organic run rate growth of 14%.
Acquisitions have also played a significant role in shaping the company&#39;s growth trajectory. In April, MSCI completed the acquisition of Foxberry, a London-based index provider, aimed at enhancing custom index production capabilities and providing simulation and back-testing capabilities for institutional investors.
<h3>MSCI&#39;s Earnings Estimates Show Upward Movement</h3>
MSCI&#39;s diverse portfolio and strategic acquisitions are contributing to its growth prospects continuously and driving top-line growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2024 revenues is currently pegged at $710.74 million, suggesting 13.64% growth year over year.
The consensus mark for earnings is currently pegged at $3.75 per share, unchanged in the past 30 days.
<h3>MSCI Shares are Overvalued</h3>
MSCI stock is not so cheap, as the Value Score of D suggests a stretched valuation at this moment.
The forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio for MSCI stands at 16.16X, higher than its Zacks Business - Software Services industry&#39;s 11.26X, reflecting a stretched valuation.
MSCI currently carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting that it may be wise to wait for a more favorable entry point in the stock.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2340002/msci-shares-up-7-in-a-year-should-you-buy-hold-or-sell-the-stock?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2340002">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Offerings

Analyst Ratings

MORN

MSCI

MSCI Shares Up 7% in a Year: Should You Buy, Hold or Sell the Stock?

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that it launched a proposed senior secured term loan facility and intends to issue additional pari passu senior secured debt (collectively, the "Mileage Plan Financing").&nbsp; The aggregate principal amount of the Mileage Plan Financing is expected to be $1.5 billion.
The borrower under the Mileage Plan Financing is AS Mileage Plan IP Ltd. ("Borrower"), an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Mileage Plan Financing will be (i) fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by Alaska Airlines, Inc. ("Alaska") and AS Mileage Plan Holdings Ltd. and on an unsecured basis by the Company (together, the "Guarantors") and (ii) secured, on a first-priority basis by the Guarantors' right, title and interest in certain collateral associated with Alaska's customer loyalty program, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan&#x2122;.

Financing

Alaska Air Group Launches Proposed Senior Secured Term Loan Facility And Intends To Issue Additional Pari Passu Senior Secured Debt, Mileage Plan Financing Expected To Be $1.5B

GE Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>) shares are trading higher on Monday. The company launched AI Wingmate to support its 52,000 employees in enhancing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-launches-company-wide-generative-ai-platform-employees" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality</a> and innovation in flight.
The company collaborated with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and integrated Azure AI, including Azure OpenAI Service, to ensure security, compliance, and responsible AI use within its network.
AI Wingmate offers GE Aerospace employees a secure internal platform to access a comprehensive suite of generative AI capabilities, incorporating new data and insights from employees over time to meet the company&#8217;s business needs.
The launch of this internal generative AI platform marks a significant milestone in GE Aerospace&#8217;s decade-long effort to integrate AI across its operations.
During this period, the company has more than doubled its investment in AI technology, establishing itself as one of the leading AI patent holders in the aviation industry.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40165662/poland-taps-ge-aerospace-for-apache-engine-support-finalizes-new-offset-agreement" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poland Taps GE Aerospace for Apache Engine Support: Finalizes New Offset Agreement</a>
David Burns, Chief Information Officer, GE Aerospace, said, &#8220;The launch of AI Wingmate will transform employee productivity, allowing our people to spend more time solving our customers&#8217; toughest problems.&#8221;
&#8220;Generative AI is changing the way we all work, enabling us to be more productive with our daily work tasks than ever before. Ultimately, this will strengthen our ability to help the aerospace industry meet our highest objectives of enhanced safety, sustainability, and reducing supply chain.&#8221;
&#8220;We are particularly excited about plans to launch a new generative AI based module exclusively dedicated to FLIGHT DECK, our proprietary lean operating model that is the foundation of how we work. The generative AI platform will serve as a vehicle for employees to learn about FLIGHT DECK and its ten fundamentals.&#8221;&nbsp;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>)&nbsp;and TCW Transform Systems ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NETZ#NYSE">NETZ</a>).
Price Action: GE shares are up 0.55% at $188.46 at the last check Monday.
Image via Shutterstock
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NETZ

GE Aerospace Takes Flight With AI Wingmate: Boosts Innovation, Employee Productivity With Microsoft's Azure AI

<a href="https://www.sonimtech.com/about/news/sonim-technologies-partners-with-tccm-to-expand-rugged-mobile-solutions-in-the-cee-region/">https://www.sonimtech.com/about/news/sonim-technologies-partners-with-tccm-to-expand-rugged-mobile-solutions-in-the-cee-region/</a>
&nbsp;
Sonim Technologies, a leading provider of ultra-rugged mobile solutions, is thrilled to announce a strategic distribution partnership with TCCM, the leading mobile phone distributor in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. This collaboration is designed to significantly enhance the availability and reach of Sonim's comprehensive range of rugged and durable mobile communication solutions, including the recently launched XP100 and XP400 rugged professional phones.
TCCM will serve as a strategic partner for Sonim Technologies, representing the full lineup of Sonim's ultra-rugged, rugged, and durable mobile phones, wireless internet solutions, and software suite, alongside access to Sonim's extensive ecosystem of accessories. With their extensive distribution network and a profound understanding of regional market trends, TCCM is ideally positioned to drive Sonim's expansion throughout the CEE region. Their customer base spans mobile network operators to major electronics outlets and small mobile phone retailers, ensuring broad market penetration.
The XP100 and XP400 phones, showcased at the IFA show in Berlin, are crafted to meet the rigorous demands of professionals who need robust and dependable communication tools. These devices, along with Sonim's expansive product lineup, will now reach a wider audience via TCCM's comprehensive retail channels.
"We are eager to bring Sonim's rugged phones to the market, responding to the rising demand for professional-grade, durable communication solutions," says Kamil Vacek Founder and CEO, TCCM at TCCM. "Sonim's reputation for high-quality, reliable technology makes it a strong addition to our portfolio, effectively filling a current void in the market."
Frank Weierhorst, who has recently been appointed as the Country Manager for the DACH and CEE region, commented, remarked: "Partnering with TCCM is a significant step for Sonim as it enables us to extend our reach into the CEE region. TCCM's expertise and distribution capabilities are invaluable, and together, we are poised to meet the growing demand for rugged mobile solutions. This partnership will help us deliver our innovative products to a broader customer base, setting new standards in the professional communications market."

SONM

Sonim Technologies Partners With TCCM To Expand Rugged Mobile Solutions In The Central And Eastern Europe Region

Israeli air strikes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40977597/us-warns-israel-against-opening-a-full-blown-war-against-hezbollah-as-air-strikes-kill-30-in-lebanon">on Hezbollah targets </a>in southern Lebanon killed around 274 people on Monday, local authorities said, as escalating hostilities between the two sides stoke international concern about the eruption of a full-on war.
Israeli forces struck several southern towns that included Tyre and Bint Jbeil in the northern region, saying they planned to carry out extensive air strikes on Bekka&#8217;s eastern region, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-23/israel-steps-up-attacks-on-hezbollah-targets-in-south-lebanon?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reported</a>.
Israel and Hezbollah have been firing rockets across the border at each other consistently since Israel&#8217;s war with Hamas began last October, but the conflict has escalated in the past week.
The U.S. is urging both sides to hold back on the fighting as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized reaching &#8220;a diplomatic solution&#8221; in speaking with Israel&#8217;s Defense Minister Yaov Gallant.
Israel is trying to take out Hezbollah&#8217;s launchers, missiles and rockets to weaken its military capabilities through an aerial campaign.
"I want to clarify Israel's policy: we do not wait for the threat, we are ahead of it," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.
Netanyahu said he prefers diplomacy, but it isn&#8217;t working.
His cabinet made the return of tens of thousands of displaced civilians a primary war objective last week. His cabinet is focused on this return as Gallant signaled a shifting of Israel&#8217;s focus to Hezbollah from Gaza.
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Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly at its summit in New York on Thursday.
Hundreds of thousands of people scurried to bomb shelters in northern Israel after Iran-backed Hezbollah fired150 projectiles on the area, using a new rocket that can reach as far as 60 miles and carry about 275 pounds of explosives, the group said on its Telegram channel over the weekend.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Hezbollah and Lebanon blamed Israel for blowing up thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies mostly used by Hezbollah members. 
On Friday, Israel killed a top Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil in an air assault on Beirut's southern suburbs.
Lebanese Prime Minister&nbsp;Najib Mikati&nbsp;called on the U.N. and world powers to stop the Israel-Hezbollah fight from "falling into the unknown."
Also on Monday, an Israeli military spokesperson said Hamas chief&nbsp;Yahya Sinwar&nbsp;may have been wounded or killed in air strikes on Gaza, after local media reported he was recently not heard from. 
The U.S. has said a Gaza cease-fire will help calm regional tensions, but Israel said it cannot wait for a truce there before eliminating the threat of Hezbollah.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the pager blasts against Hezbollah&nbsp;in Lebanon could signal &#8220;a pre-emptive strike before a major military operation&#8221; being carried out by Israel, Reuters reported.
U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday.
Price Action: Defense stocks gained into Monday&#8217;s mid-day trading.
<ul>
<li>Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) rose 1.32% to $579.47</li>
<li>The Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) were up 0.40% to $153.80</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) gained 1.01% to $530.42</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

Israel Carries Out Air Assaults On Hezbollah In Southern Lebanon

Evercore ISI Group analyst Elizabeth Anderson maintains Envista Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVST#NYSE">NVST</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $18 to $23.

Price Target

NVST

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Envista Holdings, Raises Price Target to $23

President Biden Says He Will Discuss With UAE President Efforts To End The War In Gaza; They Will Discuss Efforts To Deescalate Situation In Lebanon

Copa Holdings&#39; (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cpa#NYSE">CPA</a>) top line benefits from the increased air-travel demand. The company&#39;s proactive measures to expand its fleet are praiseworthy. However, CPA&#39;s financial stability, challenged by escalated operating expenses, is hurting the company&#39;s bottom line.
<h2>Factors Favoring CPA Stock</h2>
CPA&#39;s top line is bolstered by upbeat air-travel demand. To match this increased demand scenario, CPA has increased its capacity. In August, available seat miles (a measure of capacity) increased 8.2% year over year. Revenue passenger miles increased 5.8%.
The company&#39;s efforts to expand its fleet are commendable. In July 2024, CPA took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, increasing its total fleet to 110 aircraft. By the end of the second quarter, the consolidated fleet included 67 Boeing 737-800s, 32 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, 9 Boeing 737-700s and 1 Boeing 737-800 freighter. Such moves reflect the company&#39;s continued commitment to growth and modernization.
Copa Holdings&#39; commitment to reward its shareholders through dividends is noteworthy. The company will make its third dividend payment of the year of&nbsp;$1.61&nbsp;per share on&nbsp;Sept. 13, 2024, to all Class A and Class B shareholders on record as of&nbsp;Aug. 30, 2024. These initiatives not only bolster investors&#39; confidence but also positively impact earnings per share.
<h2>Copa Holdings: Key Risks to Watch</h2>
The surge in operating expenses is adversely impacting the company&#39;s bottom line, due to rising fuel and labor costs. In the second quarter of 2024, operating costs increased by 7.4% year over year.
In the second quarter of 2024, the fuel expenses accounting for 37.3% of the total operating expenses increased by 15% year over year, due to a 5.2% higher effective fuel price and a 9.6% increase in fuel gallons consumed. The labor costs comprising wages, salaries, benefits and other employees&#39; expenses increased by 8.6% year over year.
Copa Holdings is currently mired in multiple headwinds, which have led to its unimpressive price performance. Shares of CPA have plunged 13.9% over the past year against 24.8% growth in its&nbsp;industry.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/4d/78822.jpg?v=1908983924" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h2>CPA&#39;s Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider</h2>
CPA is currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks for investors&#39; consideration in the Zacks Transportation sector include C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/chrw#NASDAQ">CHRW</a>) and Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).&nbsp;CHRW has an expected earnings growth rate of 25.2% for the current year.
The company has an impressive earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, delivering an average surprise of 7.3%. Shares of CHRW have risen 21.7% in the past year.
WAB carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present and has an expected earnings growth rate of 26% for the current year.
The company has an encouraging track record concerning the earnings surprise surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once. The average beat is 11.8%. Shares of WAB have climbed 66.8% in the past year.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2339954/here-s-why-investors-should-retain-copa-holdings-stock-for-now?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2339954">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Mid Cap

Dividends

CHRW

Here's Why Investors Should Retain Copa Holdings Stock for Now

Evercore ISI Group analyst Stephen Kim maintains Lennar (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $240 to $236.

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Lennar, Lowers Price Target to $236

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on PepsiCo.
Looking at options history for PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) we detected 13 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 30% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 69% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $425,199 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $330,911.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $155.0 to $185.0 for PepsiCo over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of PepsiCo stands at 1345.0, with a total volume reaching 17,200.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in PepsiCo, situated within the strike price corridor from $155.0 to $185.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>PepsiCo Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109048_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$119.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">490</td>
<td>267</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$2.97</td>
<td>$2.91</td>
<td>$2.91</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$117.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">994</td>
<td>720</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$1.06</td>
<td>$0.98</td>
<td>$1.0</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$79.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">705</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$172.50</td>
<td>$71.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td>170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$68.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">217</td>
<td>133</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About PepsiCo</h3>
PepsiCo is a global leader in snacks and beverages, owning well-known household brands including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Lay's, Cheetos, and Doritos, among others. The company dominates the global savory snacks market and also ranks as the second-largest beverage provider in the world (behind Coca-Cola) with diversified exposure to carbonated soft drinks, or CSD, as well as water, sports, and energy drink offerings. Convenience foods account for approximately 55% of its total revenue, with beverages making up the rest. Pepsi owns the bulk of its manufacturing and distribution capacity in the US and overseas. International markets make up 40% of total sales and one third of operating profits.
<h3>Where Is PepsiCo Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,295,802, with PEP's price up by 1.01%, positioned at $172.91.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 15 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On PepsiCo</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $185.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Morgan Stanley lowers its rating to Equal-Weight with a new price target of $185.
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for PepsiCo with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in PepsiCo

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Wolfspeed (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOLF#NYSE">WOLF</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with WOLF, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 8 uncommon options trades for Wolfspeed.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 75% bullish and 12%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $141,120, and 5 are calls, for a total amount of $194,860.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $6.0 to $11.0 for Wolfspeed over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Wolfspeed's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Wolfspeed's whale activity within a strike price range from $6.0 to $11.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Wolfspeed Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109043_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$1.95</td>
<td>$1.95</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$57.5K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">720</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$1.95</td>
<td>$1.95</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$57.5K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">380</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$55.5K</td>
<td>763</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$1.2</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$11.00</td>
<td>$38.8K</td>
<td>250</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$6.00</td>
<td>$36.9K</td>
<td>56</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">200</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Wolfspeed</h3>
Wolfspeed Inc is involved in the manufacturing of wide bandgap semiconductors. It is focused on silicon carbide and gallium nitride materials and devices for power and radio-frequency (RF) applications. The company serves applications such as transportation, power supplies, inverters, and wireless systems. Geographically, it derives a majority of its revenue from Europe and the rest from the United States, China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific, and other regions.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Wolfspeed, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is Wolfspeed Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 5,996,730, with WOLF's price down by -3.58%, positioned at $7.81.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Wolfspeed</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $25.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Canaccord Genuity persists with their Buy rating on Wolfspeed, maintaining a target price of $25. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Wolfspeed with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

WOLF

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on WOLF Options

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on CRH. Our analysis of options history for CRH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRH#NYSE">CRH</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 10% of traders were bullish, while 90% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $123,500, and 8 were calls, valued at $463,346.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $85.0 to $85.0 for CRH during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for CRH options trades today is 1209.0 with a total volume of 3,159.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for CRH's big money trades within a strike price range of $85.0 to $85.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>CRH 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109037_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 style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CRH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$95.0K</td>
<td>101</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">279</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$71.2K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$70.4K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">656</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$64.2K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">553</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$59.8K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">184</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About CRH</h3>
CRH is a global manufacturer of a range of building products used in construction projects, operating via a vertically integrated business model. The past decade has seen CRH transform into a leading building materials business, with increasing exposure to upstream building activities such as aggregates and cement. CRH's geographic footprint is mostly across developed markets. North America is CRH's largest market and accounts for 75% of EBITDA. The company is the largest producer of aggregates and asphalt in the US.
In light of the recent options history for CRH, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of CRH</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,207,265, with CRH's price down by -1.74%, positioned at $91.27.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 54 days.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
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 CRH, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Looking At CRH's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 1.04% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 12.23%. Currently, Lockheed Martin has a market capitalization of $138.10 billion. 
Buying $1000 In LMT: If an investor had bought $1000 of LMT stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $3,194.64 today based on a price of $579.38 for LMT at the time of writing.
<h3>Lockheed Martin's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109016_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In This Stock 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth $3,200 Today

Agilent Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/A#NYSE">A</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 1.28% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 9.75%. Currently, Agilent Technologies has a market capitalization of $40.57 billion. 
Buying $100 In A: If an investor had bought $100 of A stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $642.18 today based on a price of $141.19 for A at the time of writing.
<h3>Agilent Technologies's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727109010_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Agilent Technologies 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

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