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The Index Provider begins with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Parent Index) and excludes securities of companies involved in the business of alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and nuclear power and weapons, thermal coal and unconventional oil and gas businesses.

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The dividend will be payable on October 31, 2024, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 23, 2024.

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Argan Boosts Quarterly Cash Dividend By 25% From $0.30 To $0.375 Per Share

Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCS#NYSE">SCS</a>) shares are falling after the company reported its second-quarter financial results after Wednesday's closing bell. Here's a look at the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/g40927742/steelcase-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-2025-results">details from the report. </a>
The Details: Steelcase reported quarterly earnings of 39 cents per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 37 cents. Quarterly revenue of $855.8 million missed the analyst consensus estimate of $864.1 million by 0.96%. 
The company saw growth in the Americas, driven by higher volume from large corporate, education and government customers, while International business declined, primarily driven by continued weakness in China.
&#8220;Our business continued to improve this quarter as our adjusted earnings grew 26% and we drove 3% order growth in the Americas,&#8221; said Sara Armbruster, president and CEO. &#8220;Our education business had especially strong results this quarter, which reflected the benefits of our strategy to diversify the customers and markets we serve.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40910569/nvidia-salesforce-announce-strategic-ai-collaboration-what-to-know">NVIDIA, Salesforce Announce Strategic AI Collaboration: What To Know</a>
Outlook: Steelcase sees third-quarter revenue in a range of $785 million to $810 million and adjusted earnings of between 21 cents and 25 cents per share. 
SCS Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Steelcase shares are down 10.21% after-hours at $12.67 at the time of publication Wednesday. 
Read Also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40904271/whats-going-on-with-amazon-stock">What&#8217;s Going On With Amazon Stock?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Oleg Gamulinskii from Pixabay

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After-Hours Center

Movers

Steelcase Stock Falls After Q2 Revenue Miss: Details

Wall Street reacted with unease to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8216;s remarks following a landmark decision to cut the federal funds rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to a target range <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40927293/powell-defends-0-5-interest-rate-drop-as-right-thing-for-the-economy-doubles-down">of 4.75% to 5%. </a>
The Federal Reserve&#8217;s highly anticipated dot plot, which outlines each policymaker&#8217;s rate path preference, indicated that policymakers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">anticipate further easing ahead</a>. The dot plot signaled that the Fed is likely to cut rates by a quarter percentage point at each of the next two decisions. Looking further ahead, it suggests an additional rate reduction of at least another percentage point in 2025.
Despite the initial market euphoria following the 50-basis-point rate cut, Powell&#8217;s cautious remarks on the future rate path have injected uncertainty into the markets.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/09/40928301/interest-rates-in-free-fall-what-it-means-for-mortgages-credit-cards-and-your-wallet-a">Interest Rates In Free-Fall &#8211; What It Means For Mortgages, Credit Cards And Your Wallet As The Federal Reserve Springs Into Action For First Time In 4 Years</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Response To Rate Cut, Powell&#8217;s Remarks</h3>
Initially, the S&amp;P 500, tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), surged to record highs. Gold prices, represented by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), also hit all-time highs as the U.S. dollar weakened.
Interest-rate sensitive stocks were the largest gainers between 2 p.m. and 2:35 p.m. ET, with small caps outperforming large-cap counterparts.
Yet, Powell&#8217;s cautionary comments during the press conference caused a reversal in market sentiment.
Here&#8217;s how major asset classes closed on the Fed&#8217;s decision day:
<ul>
<li>The U.S. dollar, which many believed would plummet in a 50-basis-point cut scenario, instead recouped its losses and rallied to weekly highs. The Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>) closed 0.1% higher.</li>
<li>U.S. large-cap indices all ended the day in the red, paring back gains made immediately after the rate decision. The S&amp;P 500 finished 0.3% lower, while the Nasdaq 100, tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), declined by 0.4%.</li>
<li>Small caps managed to close unchanged for the day, but they still gave back all their post-rate-cut gains.</li>
<li>Sector-wise, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) was the only sector to close in positive territory, up 0.2%. </li>
<li>The worst performer was the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>), which fell 1%.</li>
<li>Gold dropped 0.4% to $2,555 per ounce, hitting levels last seen on Thursday of the previous week.</li>
<li>Silver and oil also saw robust declines, closing 2.1% and 1.2% lower, respectively.</li>
<li>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) fell 1.1% to $59,717.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Powell&#8217;s Caution Stirs Investor Uncertainty</h3>
While defending the 50-basis-point rate cut, Powell tempered market enthusiasm, emphasizing that such a cut should not be seen as a new norm. His key statements on Wednesday included:
<ul>
<li>&#8220;No one should look at today and think this is the new pace.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;We can go quicker or slower, or pause, on rate cuts if it is appropriate.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;There is nothing in our projections that suggest we are in a rush.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;If the economy remains solid and inflation persists, we can dial back policy restraint more slowly.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
These comments signaled a more cautious approach to future rate cuts, disappointing investors who had hoped for a more aggressive easing cycle.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Economist Insights</h3>
<ul>
<li>Jeffrey Roach, LPL Financial: &#8220;We learned from today's Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) that the Fed is interested in getting to a neutral fed funds rate as quickly as possible.&#8221;</li>
<li>John Lynch, Comerica Wealth Management: &#8220;The Fed was more aggressive than I expected, since 50 basis point cuts are historically associated with crises. I don't consider 2% GDP, 4.2% unemployment rate, and 15% profit growth forecasts for 2025 as a crisis.&#8221;</li>
<li>Bill Adams, Comerica Bank: &#8220;With the Fed pivoting, interest rates will be substantially lower over the next six to twelve months. That is very welcome news for credit-sensitive sectors of the economy like housing, manufacturing, and retailers of cars and other big-ticket consumer products.&#8221;</li>
<li>Chris Zaccarelli, Independent Advisor Alliance: &#8220;Lowering interest rates now should allow the market to hit all-time highs again by the end of this year, and more gains for next year.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40923390/20-s-p-500-stocks-that-move-the-most-when-the-fed-starts-cutting-interest-rates">20 S&amp;P 500 Stocks That Move The Most When The Fed Starts Cutting Interest Rates</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy of the Federal Reserve.

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$BTC

PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund

Powell's Hawkish Tone Tempers Market Excitement After Historic 50-Basis-Point Interest Rate Cut, Economist Sees 'Welcome News For Credit-Sensitive Sectors'

Cannabinoid-focused biopharmaceutical company C3 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced Wednesday that it has executed a tailored share subscription agreement with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS and is planning on listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
The California company said it has a commitment of CAD$135 million ($99.3 million) from GGY. The money will expand manufacturing operations and introduce Idrasil, the company's cannabis-based tablet, to the U.S. and international markets, according to C3. 
The tablet is aimed at helping patients manage a variety of conditions, such as chronic pain, ADD, Alzheimer&#8217;s, cancer, sleep disorders, mental health issues and withdrawal from opioid addiction, while remaining sober and lucid.
&#8220;Idrasil is expected to be a highly disruptive medical advancement in recent pharmaceutical history,&#8221; CEO Steele Smith III said in Wednesday&#8217;s press release. "This is why there have been legal and bureaucratic obstacles to bringing it to market and securing insurance approvals."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38211713/cannabis-ceo-to-sec-attorney-eat-s">Cannabis CEO To SEC Attorney: &#8216;Eat S&#8212;&#8216;</a>
Idrasil is in the center of a long-running lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission against C3 International, Inc., co-founded by Smith and his wife Theresa. 
On Monday, C3 International and the Smiths filed an appeal with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of a July 17 order by U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder that granted a default judgment barring the defendants from breaching securities laws and imposed $1,914,017 in disgorgement, $447,859 in prejudgment interest and $621,459 in civil penalties. 
<ul>
<li>Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.</li>
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Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40133840/cannabis-pharmaceuticals-company-with-ties-to-groundbreaking-medical-developments-pursues-cannab">Cannabis Pharmaceuticals: Company With Ties To Groundbreaking Medical Developments Pursues Cannabinoid-Based Medicines</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Cannabis

Legal

C3 Pharmaceuticals Announces IPO Plans On Canadian Exchange, Funding For Cannabis Tablet As SEC Battle Continues

Shares of low-float micro-cap stock Exicure Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XCUR#NASDAQ">XCUR</a>) are rocketing higher in Wednesday&#8217;s after-hours session after the company announced that it received an extension from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/b40927658/exicure-inc-receives-extension-from-nasdaq-hearings-panel">Nasdaq Hearings Panel</a>.
What Happened: After the market close, Exicure announced that it was granted an extension for continued listing on the Nasdaq exchange. The early-stage biotechnology company must now show compliance with all applicable criteria for continued listing on the Nasdaq by Nov. 14.
Exicure <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40884303/whats-going-on-with-exicure-shares-monday">announced</a> at the end of last week that it regained compliance with Nasdaq&#8217;s minimum bid price requirement and exchanged approximately&nbsp;$1 million&nbsp;of debt for equity at a conversion price of&nbsp;$3&nbsp;per share.
The company on Wednesday said it&#8217;s diligently working to satisfy the remaining terms of the Nasdaq Panel&#8217;s requests in order to ensure Exicure&#8217;s continued listing.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/penny-stocks/24/09/40898685/reneo-pharmaceuticals-and-2-other-stocks-under-5-executives-are-buying">Reneo Pharmaceuticals And 2 Other Stocks Under $5 Executives Are Buying</a>
Exicure shares have more than doubled in extended trading and are now hitting new 52-week highs. Exicure is considered a low-float stock with just 1.118 million shares available for public trading, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>. 
The company also had a market cap of less than $4 million as of Wednesday&#8217;s close. 
Low-float, micro-cap stocks can be extremely volatile, which may help explain some of Wednesday&#8217;s outsized move.
XCUR Price Action: Exicure shares were up 206.55% in after-hours, trading at $7.10 at the time of publication Wednesday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Shutterstock.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/24/09/40928342/what-happened-with-sofi-stock-today">What Happened With SoFi Stock Today?</a></li>
</ul>

Biotech

XCUR

Exicure Stock Is Soaring After The Bell: What's Driving The Action?

Children's Place's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLCE#NYSE">PLCE</a>) short percent of float has risen 26.48% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.82 million shares sold short, which is 53.78% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 9.27 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>Children's Place Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726692321_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Children's Place 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 Children's Place'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>, Children's Place's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 12.24%, which means the company has more 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.

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Short Ideas

PLCE

(PLCE) - Analyzing Children's Place's Short Interest

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) stock lost 4% in the last 30 days. Last month saw volatility as Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) released its quarterly print and more.
The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>), representing the semiconductor industry, have lost ~7% in the last 30 days. Now, let&#8217;s run down the events for Taiwan Semiconductor since Nvidia released its quarterly print.
On August 28, Nvidia reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/08/40652614/nvidia-shatters-revenue-records-with-a-staggering-30-billion-quarter-yet-sees-stock-prices-slide-se" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-quarter topline</a> growth of 122% to $30.04 billion, quashing the&nbsp;analyst consensus of $28.68 billion.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18135430/newplot-14.png" alt="" class="wp-image-554700" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18135430/newplot-14.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18135430/newplot-14-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40897994/whats-going-on-with-intel-stock-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Looks To Restructure Foundry Business, Bags Major US Deal and Government Grants</a>
The company projected third-quarter revenue of $31.85 billion—$33.15 billion, versus the consensus of $31.77 billion.
Still, the stock dropped by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40614118/nvidia-leads-semiconductor-stocks-lower-following-q2-earnings-what-investors-need-to-know" rel="noreferrer noopener">6% in after-hours trading</a>, sending semiconductor stocks, including Taiwan Semiconductor, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), and Super Micro Computer, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), down as the print failed to impress the Street.
The semiconductor sector selloff <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40684198/nvidia-tsmc-lead-chip-stocks-lower-in-premarket-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">continued in September</a>, with U.S.-China geopolitical tensions intensifying due to the Western counterpart&#8217;s artificial intelligence technology embargo on the Asian counterpart.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor remained invested in solidifying its moat by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40686890/apple-nvidia-key-supplier-tsmc-leads-taiwanese-chip-giants-to-localize-neon-gas-production-by-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">localizing neon gas production</a>, a key chipmaking material disrupted by the Ukraine war, and fast-tracking the development of silicon photonics to address the energy and data transmission speeds <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40687807/whats-going-on-with-taiwan-semiconductor-stock-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">needed by AI computing</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40711613/taiwan-semiconductor-bets-on-ai-growth-surge-samsung-joins-ai-optimism-in-trade-show" rel="noreferrer noopener">projected a 50%</a> growth in AI accelerators at the Semicon Taiwan industry forum in Taipei despite concerns over the sustainability of the AI frenzy, which is sending jitters across the market. Broadcom Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) quarterly print and guidance did little to contain <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40754938/semiconductor-etfs-take-a-beating-dragged-lower-by-nvidia-amd-and-broadcom-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">the semiconductor selloff</a>.
On the brighter side, reports indicated that the contract chipmaker&#8217;s production yield at the Arizona facility is at par with<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40773084/taiwan-semiconductors-us-plant-matches-taiwan-production-yields-stock-gains" rel="noreferrer noopener"> its Taiwan facilities</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40790997/taiwan-semiconductors-strong-august-sales-hint-at-big-gains-ahead-ai-and-iphone-demand-fuel-optimism" rel="noreferrer noopener">33% topline growth</a> in&nbsp;August 2024, testimony to the smartphone market recovery and continued demand for&nbsp;Nvidia AI chips. Analysts expect third-quarter revenue growth of 37%.
Some of Taiwan Semiconductors key September wins included a Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google smartphone deal&nbsp;involving <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40833611/google-picks-taiwan-semiconductor-for-pixel-chips-samsung-loses-key-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 chips</a> and Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) A16 chip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40920976/taiwan-semiconductor-begins-production-of-apple-a16-smartphone-chips-at-arizona-facility-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">its Arizona Fab</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor is up over 90% in the last 12 months as it led the&nbsp;global foundry market, commanding a 62% share in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40711613/taiwan-semiconductor-bets-on-ai-growth-surge-samsung-joins-ai-optimism-in-trade-show" rel="noreferrer noopener">second quarter of 2024</a>.
Price Action: TSM stock closed at $167.28 on Wednesday.
Image via Shutterstock

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AVGO

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NVDA

SMCI

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

What has Taiwan Semiconductor Stock Done Since Nvidia Earnings?

Eastern Bankshares's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBC#NYSE">EBC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 7.49% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.43 million shares sold short, which is 1.73% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.79 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>Eastern Bankshares Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726692316_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Eastern Bankshares 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 Eastern Bankshares'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>, Eastern Bankshares's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.88%, 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.

Peering Into Eastern Bankshares's Recent Short Interest

United States Steel's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) short percent of float has risen 7.42% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 19.70 million shares sold short, which is 8.83% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 5.62 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>United States Steel Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726692310_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for United States Steel 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 United States Steel'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>, United States Steel's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.81%, which means the company has more 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.

(X) - Analyzing United States Steel's Short Interest

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Dollar Gen. Our analysis of options history for Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 44% of traders were bullish, while 44% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $588,385, and 4 were calls, valued at $391,647.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $70.0 to $105.0 for Dollar Gen over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</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 Dollar Gen'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 Dollar Gen's whale activity within a strike price range from $70.0 to $105.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Dollar Gen Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726691582_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$11.7</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$345.4K</td>
<td>588</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">385</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$14.45</td>
<td>$13.05</td>
<td>$13.05</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$261.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$12.35</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$105.7K</td>
<td>588</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$8.15</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$78.4K</td>
<td>6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.75</td>
<td>$8.75</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$68.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">78</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Gen</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Dollar Gen, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Dollar Gen's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 3,489,659, the price of DG is up 0.99% at $86.86. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 78 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Dollar Gen</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $112.4.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their In-Line rating on Dollar Gen, maintaining a target price of $100. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Equal-Weight rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $130. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Goldman Sachs keeps a Buy rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $122. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Raymond James keeps a Outperform rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $120. </li>
<li>An analyst from BMO Capital has decided to maintain their Market Perform rating on Dollar Gen, which currently sits at a price target of $90. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Dollar Gen, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Dollar Gen

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Coherent (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COHR#NYSE">COHR</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with COHR, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 16 options trades for Coherent.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 68% bullish and 31%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $49,980, and 15, calls, for a total amount of $1,125,050.
<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 $60.0 to $110.0 for Coherent during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into 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 Coherent'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 Coherent's whale trades within a strike price range from $60.0 to $110.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Coherent Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726691577_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>COHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$26.5</td>
<td>$25.1</td>
<td>$26.5</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$265.0K</td>
<td>103</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$263.7K</td>
<td>93</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">754</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$82.0K</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">207</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$74.9K</td>
<td>874</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">224</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$50.5K</td>
<td>788</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">101</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Coherent</h3>
Coherent Corp engaged in materials, networking, and lasers, is a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops, manufactures, and markets engineered materials, optoelectronic components and devices, and lasers for use in the industrial, communications, electronics and instrumentation markets. The firm operates in three segments Networking, Materials, and Lasers Segment. It generates maximum revenue from Networking segment. The company geographically operates in North America. Europe, China, Japan and Rest of the world.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Coherent, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Coherent</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 4,787,861, the price of COHR is up 4.16% at $81.16. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 47 days.</li>
</ul>
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Coherent options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

COHR

Coherent Unusual Options Activity

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPW#NYSE">MPW</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 MPW usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 11 extraordinary options activities for Medical Properties Trust. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 72% leaning bullish and 27% bearish. Among these notable options, 7 are puts, totaling $348,980, and 4 are calls, amounting to $257,760.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $5.0 to $10.0 for Medical Properties Trust during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Medical Properties Trust'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 Medical Properties Trust's whale activity within a strike price range from $5.0 to $10.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Medical Properties Trust Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726691572_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>MPW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$0.52</td>
<td>$0.5</td>
<td>$0.52</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$168.7K</td>
<td>14.3K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MPW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$2.23</td>
<td>$2.21</td>
<td>$2.21</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$99.5K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MPW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.22</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>$6.00</td>
<td>$59.0K</td>
<td>399</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MPW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$1.17</td>
<td>$1.16</td>
<td>$1.16</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$52.2K</td>
<td>182</td>
<td>702</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MPW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$0.63</td>
<td>$0.58</td>
<td>$0.58</td>
<td>$5.50</td>
<td>$43.4K</td>
<td>8.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Medical Properties Trust</h3>
Medical Properties Trust Inc is a healthcare facility REIT. The company operates one segment, which owns and leases healthcare facilities. The vast majority of Medical's revenue is generated in the United States, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. It provides financing for a variety of facilities that require funds for acquisitions, sale-leasebacks, new developments, and expansion projects.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Medical Properties Trust, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Medical Properties Trust Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 17,434,986, with MPW's price down by -4.65%, positioned at $5.95.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 36 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Medical Properties Trust</h3>
Over the past month, 2 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $6.25.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Truist Securities persists with their Hold rating on Medical Properties Trust, maintaining a target price of $6. </li>
<li>In a positive move, an analyst from Colliers Securities has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $6. </li>
</ul>
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 Medical Properties Trust with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

A Closer Look at Medical Properties Trust's Options Market Dynamics

MCAG

Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp. V Receives Nasdaq Deficiency Notification

Management

AIG Appoints Keith Walsh Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Effective Oct. 21

SoFi Technologies Inc &nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>) shares moved on heavy trading volume Wednesday as investors digested the first interest rate cut from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">Federal Reserve in four years.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: SoFi shares have been trending across social media and have climbed more than 10% over the past five days as investors anticipated a rate cut. 
The Federal Reserve delivered a 50 basis point (bps) cut Wednesday. The rate cut brings the federal funds rate down to a range of 4.75% to 5% and will reduce rates for consumers.&nbsp;
SoFi continues to diversify its offerings beyond student loans, expanding into personal loans, mortgages, investment accounts and credit cards. Many of SoFi's segments could benefit from lower interest rates, which may draw more borrowers to the company's offerings.&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40910569/nvidia-salesforce-announce-strategic-ai-collaboration-what-to-know">NVIDIA, Salesforce Announce Strategic AI Collaboration: What To Know</a>
SoFi's stock spiked to an intraday high of $8.53 just after the announcement from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, but pulled back into the close. &nbsp;
According to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, more than 63 million SoFi shares changed hands in Wednesday's session and 18.74% of shares are being sold short. 
SOFI Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, SoFi Technologies shares closed Wednesday down 0.12% at $8.11.
Read Also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40904271/whats-going-on-with-amazon-stock">What&#8217;s Going On With Amazon Stock?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Fintech news covering the emerging Financial Technology services sector

Fintech

SOFI

What Happened With SoFi Stock Today?

RGEN

Repligen To Restate Financial Statements For 2023 And Early 2024, No Impact On Business Operations Or Strategic Outlook; Reaffirms 2024 Revenue Guidance, Adjusting FY Range To $627M-$642M After $6.6M Understatement

<h3>GAINERS:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AUSAF">Australis Capital</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AUSAF#OTC">AUSAF</a>) shares closed up 1009900.00% at $0.01</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FUAPF">Global Compliance</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FUAPF#OTC">FUAPF</a>) shares closed up 44.00% at $0.00</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LMLLF">Pharmadrug</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMLLF#OTC">LMLLF</a>) shares closed up 30.25% at $0.02</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMMJ">Body and Mind</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMMJ#OTC">BMMJ</a>) shares closed up 14.63% at $0.03</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CARA">Cara Therapeutics</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CARA#NASDAQ">CARA</a>) shares closed up 13.07% at $0.29</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNPOF">RIV Capital</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNPOF#OTC">CNPOF</a>) shares closed up 9.54% at $0.15</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNBX">CNBX Pharmaceuticals</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNBX#OTC">CNBX</a>) shares closed up 8.96% at $0.01</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OILFF">Nextleaf Solutions</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OILFF#OTC">OILFF</a>) shares closed up 6.47% at $0.06</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UGRO">Urban-gro</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UGRO#NASDAQ">UGRO</a>) shares closed up 5.67% at $1.36</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FFNTF">4Front Ventures</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFNTF#OTC">FFNTF</a>) shares closed up 5.60% at $0.05</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOLCF">SOL Glb Inv</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOLCF#OTC">SOLCF</a>) shares closed up 3.59% at $0.03</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CURR">Currenc Group</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURR#NASDAQ">CURR</a>) shares closed up 3.54% at $2.70</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BLOZF">Cannabix Technologies</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLOZF#OTC">BLOZF</a>) shares closed up 3.45% at $0.34</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GENE">Genetic Technologies</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GENE#NASDAQ">GENE</a>) shares closed up 3.06% at $0.80</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRMD">MariMed</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRMD#OTC">MRMD</a>) shares closed up 3.03% at $0.17</li>
</ul>
<h3>LOSERS:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LBUY">Leafbuyer Techs</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LBUY#OTC">LBUY</a>) shares closed down 86.01% at $0.00</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MGWFF">Maple Leaf Green World</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGWFF#OTC">MGWFF</a>) shares closed down 15.71% at $0.02</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XXII">22nd Century Group</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XXII#NASDAQ">XXII</a>) shares closed down 11.74% at $0.24</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/YCBD">cbdMD</a> (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YCBD#AMEX">YCBD</a>) shares closed down 9.23% at $0.50</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CBDY">Target Group</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBDY#OTC">CBDY</a>) shares closed down 9.09% at $0.00</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CXXIF">C21 Investments</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CXXIF#OTC">CXXIF</a>) shares closed down 6.38% at $0.22</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EAST">Eastside Distilling</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EAST#NASDAQ">EAST</a>) shares closed down 5.09% at $0.57</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SNDL">SNDL</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNDL#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>) shares closed down 3.17% at $2.13</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRBP">Corbus Pharmaceuticals</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRBP#NASDAQ">CRBP</a>) shares closed down 3.08% at $49.33</li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AUSAF

BLOZF

BMMJ

CARA

CBDY

CNBX

CNPOF

CRBP

CURE PHARMA HLDG CORP by CURE Pharmaceutical Holding Corp.

CURR

CXXIF

EAST

FFNTF

FUAPF

GENE

LEAFBUYER TECHNOLOGIES by Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc.

LBUY

LMLLF

MGWFF

MRMD

OILFF

SNDL

SOLCF

UGRO

XXII

YCBD

Bullish Wednesday For Marijuana Stocks - Australis Capital, Leafbuyer Techs Among Top Gainers

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than four years on Wednesday, opting to lower the rates by 50 basis points to a range <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">of 4.75% to 5%.</a>
Here's a look at what the rate cuts could mean for consumers.
What Happened: The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/federal-reserve">Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates</a> could have a trickle-down effect on several items that are important to consumers (i.e., mortgage rates, credit card interest rates, auto loan rates and more).
While the main priority with cutting rates or raising rates is to keep inflation in check at a goal of 2%, consumers will see the effects of the rate cut in the short and long term.
On Wednesday, mortgage rates were already <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40921345/mortgage-rates-drop-to-2-year-low-refinancing-hits-fastest-pace-since-2022-rocket-lendingtree-among">hitting their lowest rate </a>in two years. Thirty-year mortgages were at 6.15%, leading to an increase in refinance applications.
And they will likely go lower in the future, which could lead to an increase in home purchases. Higher rates have likely kept some consumers from being able to afford a purchase.
The big question will be how low mortgage rates can go. They previously stood under 4% before the Fed began raising interest rates to fight off inflation. Mortgage rates have gotten over 8% in recent years and the continued decline will be a welcome sight for future homebuyers and for those looking to sell their home into growing demand.
Credit card interest rates will also decline due to the Fed's decision. That could mean consumers feel better about making big purchases or increasing their monthly spend.
Auto loans will also see interest rates go down, which could mean an influx of consumers looking to buy new or used cars.
On the flip side, the decision to cut rates could see the value of the US Dollar decline. Consumers could also see their interest rates on savings accounts decline and investments like treasuries offer less return.
Read Also<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926310/s-p-500-gold-strike-all-time-highs-after-fed-cuts-rates-for-first-time-in-4-years">: S&amp;P 500, Gold Strike All-Time Highs, Small Caps Rally After Fed Slashes Interest Rates For First Time In 4 Years</a>
What's Next: The Federal Reserve also suggested that more rate cuts are on the horizon before 2024 ends.
A total of 100 basis points in cuts is now forecasted for the year. This could mean a 25 basis-point cut for the November and December meetings.
Additional rate cuts are expected in 2025 and 2026. Future forecasts show that the Fed Funds Rate could drop to 2.9% by the end of 2026. 
The Fed's decision will also lead to potential rotation changes for investors with gold gaining on the announcement and Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) initially trading higher before dropping slightly.
Small-cap stocks are also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40919822/small-cap-sectors-brace-for-fed-rate-cut-financials-real-estate-etfs-offer-compelling-plays-for-inve">likely to be a winner</a> for investors. Lower interest rates means smaller companies can more easily borrow money to help fund their growth.
The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) is outperforming the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) on Wednesday.
The fund, which tracks the Russell 2000 index of 2,000 small cap stocks, increased sharply on the announcement. Investors and analysts see the ETF, which has underperformed other index funds, outpacing the market after the interest rate cut.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#x1f534;WATCH LIVE: Jerome Powell Speaks, FOMC Press Conference &#x7C; September 18th, 2024" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qVdXli47cWk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/21/06/21589003/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-federal-reserve-chair-jerome-powell">5 Things You Might Not Know About Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Pixabay

Federal Reserve

Interest Rates In Free-Fall: What It Means For Mortgages, Credit Cards And Your Wallet As The Federal Reserve Springs Into Action For First Time In 4 Years

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