FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (BATS: QMAR)

FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (BATS:QMAR), Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange Options (FLEX Options) that reference the price performance of the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (the Underlying ETF). FLEX Options are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. The Underlying ETF is an exchange-traded unit investment trust that uses a full replication strategy, meaning it invests in all of the stocks in the NASDAQ-100 Index. Invesco Capital Management LLC (Invesco) serves as the Underlying ETFs sponsor. The investment objective of the Underlying ETF is to seek to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index. The NASDAQ-100 Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. The Fund's performance will not reflect the payment of dividends by the Underlying ETF. . The Funds investment sub-advisor is Cboe VestSM Financial LLC (Cboe Vest or the Sub-Advisor).

FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March

FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March

Mizuho analyst William Janela initiates coverage on Kosmos Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOS#NYSE">KOS</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $5.

News

Price Target

Initiation

Analyst Ratings

Mizuho Initiates Coverage On Kosmos Energy with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $5

U.S. stocks look set for a relief rally after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40909187/s-p-500-briefly-hits-record-high-just-ahead-of-fed-rate-cut-extends-7-day-winning-streak-tuesday">market failed to sustain the upward momentum</a> set in motion by the 50 basis-point cut announced by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. The index futures point to a sharply higher opening on Thursday. Given the central bank&#8217;s focus on labor market statistics, traders may closely monitor the weekly jobless claims data. The results of a regional manufacturing survey and the Conference Board&#8217;s leading economic index may also create some ripples in the market.
With the Fed decision on the back-burner, earnings could get back to the spotlight, with FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) due to report after the close. Tech and small-cap stocks remain poised to rally out of the gates even as most strategists warn of a tech rally cool-off. Volatility is on the wane amid the risk-on mood, with the CBOE Volatility Index, aka VIX, down about 9%.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>+1.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>+1.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow</td>
<td>+1.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R2K</td>
<td>+2.88%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Thursday,&nbsp;the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) jumped 1.55% to $570.08 and the&nbsp;Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) gained 2.00% to $480.96, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Cues From Last Session:
Wall Street closed Wednesday&#8217;s session modestly lower despite the Fed obliging with the magnitude of the cut the market was hoping for. The major indices resigned themselves to the pattern typical of a Fed decision day and moved sideways until the announcement was made. The central bank delivered and traders indulged in strong buying that took the S&amp;P 500 Index to a new intraday high. 
The dot plot suggested policymakers will likely cut rates a 25 basis points at each of the next two decisions and by at least another percentage point in 2025. While the growth outlook was left unchanged, the unemployment rate forecasts were revised. But Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s cautious comments at the press conference spooked the market, sending stocks lower in late-afternoon trading.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>-0.31%</td>
<td>17,573.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 Index</td>
<td>-0.29%</td>
<td>5,618.26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Industrials</td>
<td>-0.25%</td>
<td>41,503.10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>+0.04%</td>
<td>2,206.34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts:
It could be time for defensives and small-caps to shine, now that the rate-cutting cycle has begun and the door is open for more.
LPL Financial Chief Equity Strategist Jeff Buchbinder said in a note ahead of the rate cut that value stocks outperform their growth counterparts three and six months after the initial cut. The 1995 monetary policy is the most analogous to the current one, he said, adding that during the 12 months after the cut at that time, growth stocks were slightly better. But value stocks have an edge over the first six months, he said.
Defensive sectors typically outperform in the six months after the initial rate cuts, and this was particularly evident during the 1995 period that saw a soft landing and technology buildout, the strategist said. Specifically, the defense and the telecom services sector were top performers, while consumer staples and utilities also outperformed, he said. Financials did well in the 1995 cycle and performed in-line in the 2019 period, which is more comparable to the current situation than the 2001 cycle, he added.
Surprisingly, the technology sector underperformed the S&amp;P 500 after the 1995 rate cut, even though the internet buildout was in its early phases, Buchbinder said, referring to Netscape&#8217;s initial public offering which came after the first rate cut. Netscape is credited with creating the first internet browser.
&#8220;The takeaway here is that the technology sector, which as we know, is in a major buildout phase now with artificial intelligence, may not get a performance bump from a more accommodating Fed,&#8221; the strategist said.
Carson Group Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick pointed out a positive data point that bodes well for the market. In a post on X, he said the Fed has cut rates with stocks near all-time highs 20 times in the past. In all the instances, the S&amp;P 500 was higher a year later.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The Fed has cut rates with stocks near all-time highs 20 times. The S&amp;P 500 was higher a year later 20 times. S&amp;P 500 at all-time highs now and the Fed is cutting tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/MSHhII1Cu4">pic.twitter.com/MSHhII1Cu4</a>
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1836069055070916634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-futures-trading-software">Best Futures Trading Software</a>
Upcoming Economic Data:
<ul>
<li>The Labor Department is scheduled to release its weekly jobless claims data for the recent reporting week at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The number of individuals claiming unemployment benefits may have edged down from to 229,000 in the week ended Sept. 14, down from 230,000 in the previous week.</li>
<li>The Philadelphia Fed will release the results of its September regional manufacturing survey at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The diffusion index of business activity, the headline reading of the report, is widely expected to show continued contraction, albeit at a slower rate. Economists, on average, expect the index to increase from -7.0 in August to -1.1 in September.</li>
<li>The National Association of Realtors is due to release its existing home sales report for August at 10 a.m. EDT. Existing home sales are expected to come in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.9 million units, almost flattish with the 3.95-million-unit rate in July.</li>
<li>The Conference Board&#8217;s leading economic index, due at 10 a.m. EDT, is expected to show a 0.3% month-over-month drop for August, smaller than the 0.6% drop in July.</li>
<li>The Treasury is set to auction four- and eight-week bills at 11:30 a.m. EDT and a 10-year TIPS auction at 1 p.m. EDT.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCS#NYSE">SCS</a>) shares fell nearly 8% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket">in premarket trading</a> following the company&#8217;s quarterly results.</li>
<li>Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBRL#NASDAQ">CBRL</a>), Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) and FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) are among the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings">notable companies reporting their quarterly results ahead of the market open. </a></li>
<li>Those reporting after the close include FedEx and Lennar Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>).</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:
Crude futures rose in the early U.S. session, extending the gain from the previous session, as the dollar continues to be weak against most currencies barring the yen. Gold futures also firmed up. The 10-year T-note yield rose 1.9 basis points to 3.706%.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) rallied strongly following the Fed decision, with the apex crypto now trading just shy of the $62.5K level.
The major Asian averages gained notably on Thursday, as they reacted to the Fed&#8217;s largesse, with Japan benefiting from the yen&#8217;s modest weakening against the greenback. European stocks were on a firmer footing in early Thursday, with traders in the region awaiting the Bank of England&#8217;s rate decision. The Monetary Policy Committee of the central bank is widely expected to keep rates unchanged at 5.25% although signaling reductions in the future.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><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">Powell Defends 0.5% Interest Rate Drop As &#8216;Right Thing For The Economy,&#8217; Doubles Down On Fed&#8217;s Cautious, Data-Driven Approach</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Pixabay

Earnings

Equities

Futures

Previews

Economics

Federal Reserve

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

Movers

Trading Ideas

$BTC

CBRL

Wall Street Primed For Relief Rally As Traders Eye Jobless Claims, FedEx Earnings After Fed's 50 Basis-Point Cut: Strategist Says These Stocks Will Gain Edge In First 6 Months Of Rate Cut

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40916521/anthony-scaramucci-calls-for-bipartisan-crypto-regulation-applauds-donald-trump-for-coming">outspoken critic of former President</a> Donald Trump's influence on cryptocurrency, has once again raised concerns about the potential impact of a Trump victory on the industry. 
What Happened: Speaking at crypto conference Token2049, Scaramucci reiterated his belief that Trump's re-election could spell trouble for the digital asset space.
"Trump is a polarizing person. He's for it," Scaramucci <a href="https://www.dlnews.com/articles/regulation/anthony-scaramucci-panel-highlights-political-crypto-divides/?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=organic_social&amp;utm_campaign=">said</a>, referencing Trump's vocal support for crypto. "It could touch off an avalanche of people that are against it."
Scaramucci's concerns stand in sharp contrast to the views of other industry leaders, as political allegiances within the crypto community continue to diverge.
The former White House Director of Communications also touched on the crypto stance of Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, "I'm here, but there's a group of cryptocurrency advocates, bitcoin advocates that are working alongside her to distance the Democratic Party, the future of the Democratic Party, away from Elizabeth Warren and Gary Gensler. I believe we are making progress, and I think it's going in the right direction."
While Scaramucci has endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, others have thrown their support behind Trump. 
Mike Belshe, CEO of Bitgo, voiced his approval of the former president's stance on crypto regulations during the same panel. 
"We do have clarity from the Trump proposals. They want to make sure we put in pro-crypto folks there," Belshe said, referring to the administration's approach to regulatory bodies like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40876874/sec-moves-to-amend-binance-lawsuit-reinforcing-claims-of-unregistered-securities-sales">the SEC</a>. "We have not heard the same from Harris."
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, took a more neutral stance, refusing to align with either political side. "Crypto is purple," Allaire said, hinting at the industry's bipartisan nature, a comment that drew applause from the audience.
"Technology does not care about politics," Allaire elaborted. "It doesn't matter who wins the presidential election."
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="250" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/27091545/Benzinga-conference.gif" alt="Benzinga future of digital assets conference" class="wp-image-267246" /></a></figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40927528/microstrategy-raises-875m-in-convertible-notes-plans-further-bitcoin-purchases">MicroStrategy Raises $875M In Convertible Notes, Plans Further Bitcoin Purchases</a>
Why It Matters: As the U.S. presidential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40931251/trump-isnt-happy-with-jerome-powells-50-bps-rate-cut-maneuver-i-guess-it-shows-the-economy-is-very-b">election heats up</a>, cryptocurrency has become a central issue, with Trump leading the charge for the sector. 
From launching his own DeFi project to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40932192/trump-pays-up-for-smash-burgers-and-diet-cokes-with-bitcoin-during-new-york-campaign-halt-">purchasing burgers with bitcoin</a> in New York City, Trump has embraced the industry in ways no previous president has.
Harris, on the other hand, has yet to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40836362/exclusive-scaramucci-predicts-harris-will-adopt-a-more-open-minded-approach-to-crypto-if-e">publicly declare</a> a firm position on crypto, though her team has reportedly engaged with key players like Scaramucci, billionaire investor Mark Cuban and Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, on regulatory matters.
Despite his critique of Trump's divisiveness, Scaramucci did acknowledge the former president's awareness of the industry's significance. "Ironically, he's pulling the Democrats along into a centrist position on regulation," he said, hinting that Trump's influence may inadvertently push the Democratic party toward a more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40916521/anthony-scaramucci-calls-for-bipartisan-crypto-regulation-applauds-donald-trump-for-coming">favorable stance</a> on crypto.
Still, the panel's conversation wasn't solely about political division. 
A common target emerged: SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, whose regulatory approach has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40841087/sec-chair-gary-gensler-under-investigation-for-alleged-political-favoritism-in-hiring-prac">a thorn in the side</a> of many in the crypto space. "Regulation by enforcement has not been an effective strategy," Allaire stated. "It's been a very, very destructive strategy."
As the industry grapples with an uncertain regulatory future, Scaramucci's caution about Trump's impact underscores the growing polarization within the crypto community. 
With the U.S. election on the horizon, the debate over how cryptocurrency should be regulated will likely intensify, bringing the industry's political affiliations further into the spotlight.
What&#8217;s Next: The ongoing discussion about cryptocurrency's future, including regulation and adoption, will continue to evolve at events like Benzinga's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/">Future of Digital Assets</a> conference on Nov. 19, where industry leaders and experts will dive deeper into these pressing issues.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40926729/bitcoin-spikes-above-61-000-as-fed-implements-50-bps-rate-cut">Bitcoin Spikes Above $61,000 as Fed Implements 50 Bps Rate Cut</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Anthony Scaramucci Says Donald Trump Is A 'Polarizing Person' But 'Pulling Democrats Along' On Crypto, Working On Distancing Kamala Harris 'Away From Gary Gensler'

Needham analyst Joshua Reilly reiterates HubSpot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBS#NYSE">HUBS</a>) with a Buy and maintains $730 price target.

Reiteration

HUBS

Needham Reiterates Buy on HubSpot, Maintains $730 Price Target

XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) shares are trading higher premarket Thursday. The company disclosed that XPENG Motors will showcase its latest technologies and solutions at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/g40933214/xpeng-to-unveil-the-future-of-ai-mobility-in-europe-at-paris-motor-show-2024" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Motor Show 2024 in October</a>.
The company plans to unveil its latest innovations, including the Tianji XOS 5.4 smart in-car operating system, designed for the European market.
This system highlights XPENG's vision for adaptive, AI-driven driving experiences in Europe.
The company will also showcase its next-generation smart cockpit with advanced personalization options and frequent OTA updates.
Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President at XPENG, said, &#8220;The European automotive market is undergoing a transformation from electrification to smartification. At the Paris Motor Show, we are not only showcasing highlights from our vehicle portfolio, but also new solutions that we will be integrating in our car models.&#8221;
XPENG said it looks forward to further expanding its European footprint with cutting-edge technology and AI-powered solutions.
This month, the company&nbsp;reportedly asked suppliers to ramp up parts capacity as the M03, the first model in its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40794637/whats-going-on-with-xpeng-stock-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mona lineup, gains popularity</a>.
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, XPEV stock has lost around 50%&nbsp;in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAIL#NYSE">HAIL</a>) and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PBW#NYSE">PBW</a>).
Price Action: XPEV shares are up 6.94% at $9.24 premarket at the last check Thursday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40866380/tesla-china-shines-lucid-gives-peek-into-model-y-rival-ford-eyes-electric-restart-in-india-and-m" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla China Shines, Lucid Gives Peek Into Model Y Rival, Ford Eyes &#8216;Electric&#8217; Restart In India And More: Biggest EV Stories Of The Week</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mid Cap

HAIL

PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Trust WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio

XPEV

What's Going On With XPeng Shares Premarket Thursday?

Mizuho analyst Graig Suvannavejh downgrades Athira Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATHA#NASDAQ">ATHA</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and lowers the price target from $5 to $0.5.

Downgrades

ATHA

Mizuho Downgrades Athira Pharma to Neutral, Lowers Price Target to $0.5

Morgan Stanley analyst Erin Wright downgrades Elanco Animal Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELAN#NYSE">ELAN</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $17 to $15.

ELAN

Morgan Stanley Downgrades Elanco Animal Health to Equal-Weight, Lowers Price Target to $15

Morgan Stanley analyst Tejas Savant initiates coverage on Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MYGN#NASDAQ">MYGN</a>) with a Equal-Weight rating and announces Price Target of $32.

MYGN

Morgan Stanley Initiates Coverage On Myriad Genetics with Equal-Weight Rating, Announces Price Target of $32

Needham analyst Laura Martin reiterates Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) with a Buy and maintains $260 price target.

AAPL

Needham Reiterates Buy on Apple, Maintains $260 Price Target

Legal

Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. - Ordinary Shares

MAXN

Maxeon Solar Received Notification From US Customs & Border Protection Determined To Exclude The Company's Performance Line And IBC Modules From Import Due To Certain Documentary Deficiencies

Needham analyst Mayank Tandon maintains SS&amp;C Techs Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNC#NASDAQ">SSNC</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $81 to $90.

SSNC

Needham Maintains Buy on SS&C Techs Hldgs, Raises Price Target to $90

NCNC

noco-noco Says Remain Optimistic In Regard To The Carbon Credit Market Opportunities; Expands Battery Assets To Develop A Smart Battery System

Goldman Sachs analyst Will Nance maintains PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) with a Neutral and maintains $69 price target.

PYPL

Goldman Sachs Maintains Neutral on PayPal Holdings, Maintains $69 Price Target

To support its vision, it is introducing a leasing model designed to maximize battery lifespan, from initial use in mobility solutions to secondary applications in power charging stations and data centers.&nbsp;
As part of the 3DOM Alliance Group, it has secured over 40 battery-related patents globally, including those related to securitization, carbon credit leasing, and degradation billing. It is currently negotiating exclusive rights to deploy these patents in key markets.

noco-noco Releases Letter To Shareholders Announcing Business Restart Plan To Drive Growth; Plans Introducing Leasing Model Designed To Maximize Battery Lifespan

Needham analyst David Saxon reiterates Staar Surgical (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STAA#NASDAQ">STAA</a>) with a Hold.

STAA

Needham Reiterates Hold on Staar Surgical

B of A Securities analyst Nafeesa Gupta initiates coverage on Coursera (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COUR#NYSE">COUR</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $11.

COUR

B of A Securities Initiates Coverage On Coursera with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $11

The briefing will discuss how&nbsp;Russia,&nbsp;China&nbsp;and others have displaced&nbsp;the United States&nbsp;as the global leaders in uranium enrichment &ndash; and what it will take to re-establish America&#39;s domestic supply chain.&nbsp;

Centrus Energy Plans To Host A Special Briefing On Capitol Hill To Outline The Path Forward

This acquisition is expected to be the first transaction of its newly initiated growth strategy to buy and build companies in the sports and casino technology industry and other synergistic companies

Gaming

General

Signing Day Sports Signed A Binding Term Sheet To Acquire 95-99% Of Shares Of Dear Cashmere Group Holding Company, Doing Business As Swifty Global, A Sports And Casino Technologies Company, In An All-Stock Deal

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Emily Bodnar maintains BriaCell Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCTX#NASDAQ">BCTX</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $18 to $15.

BCTX

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on BriaCell Therapeutics, Lowers Price Target to $15

Alibaba Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) was up by 4.15% during Thursday&#8217;s premarket after announcing the launch of more than 100 new open-source AI models and introduced a text-to-video generation tool.
What Happened: The new models, named Qwen 2.5, are designed for various applications, including automotive, gaming, and scientific research. They feature enhanced capabilities in mathematics and coding, Alibaba stated, CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/19/alibaba-launches-over-100-new-ai-models-releases-text-to-video-generation.html">reported</a> on Thursday.
At the time of writing, Alibaba was trading at $87.92 while it closed at $84.42 on Wednesday, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
These models are open-source, allowing global researchers, academics, and companies to utilize them without needing to train their own systems, saving time and costs. Alibaba aims to increase the adoption of its AI by making these models accessible.
The company also upgraded its proprietary flagship model, Qwen-Max, which is sold through its cloud computing services. Alibaba claims Qwen-Max 2.5-Max outperforms competitors like Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) and OpenAI in reasoning and language comprehension.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40892284/oracles-larry-ellison-predicts-police-officers-will-be-supervised-at-all-times-and-citizens-will-be?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oracle&#8217;s Larry Ellison Predicts Police Officers Will Be Supervised &#8216;At All Times&#8217; And Citizens Will Be On Their Best Behavior Thanks To Constant AI-Powered Surveillance</a>
Additionally, Alibaba introduced a text-to-video tool that generates videos from user prompts, similar to OpenAI&#8217;s Sora. CEO Eddie Wu emphasized the company&#8217;s strong investment in AI research and global infrastructure development.
Why It Matters: Alibaba has been aggressively expanding its AI capabilities to rival major players like Microsoft and Amazon.com. According to Derek Yan, Senior Investment Strategist at KraneShares, the company is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40840625/exclusive-ai-to-turbocharge-alibabas-cloud-in-bid-to-rival-microsoft-amazon-says-st">leveraging generative AI</a> to enhance customer service, sales, and marketing, potentially leading to significant operational savings.
Earlier this month, Alibaba launched a new AI-powered sourcing tool aimed at simplifying the sourcing process for American buyers, despite ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington. This move is part of its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40744024/alibaba-boosts-us-expansion-with-new-ai-sourcing-tool-despite-festering-tensions-between-beijing-and">broader strategy to expand</a> its U.S. footprint.
Additionally, Alibaba recently introduced an<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40847464/alibaba-dropped-the-ai-powered-english-version-of-taobao-in-this-country-app-quickly-soars-to-th"> AI-powered English version</a> of its Taobao app in Singapore. This update has significantly boosted the app&#8217;s popularity, making it the top shopping app in the country.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40897716/elon-musk-reacts-after-mark-cuban-says-he-would-buy-x-in-a-heartbeat?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After Mark Cuban Says He Would Buy X &#8216;In A Heartbeat&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

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