Shell Stock (NYSE:SHEL), Trade Ideas

Shell

Shell is an integrated oil and gas company that explores for, produces, and refines oil around the world. In 2023, it produced 1.5 million barrels of liquids and 7.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. At end-2023, reserves stood at 9.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, 49% of which, consisted of liquids. Its production and reserves are in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and North and South America. The company operates refineries with capacity of 1.6 mmb/d located in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe and sells about 12 million tons per year of chemicals. Its largest chemical plants, often integrated with its local refineries, are in Central Europe, China, Singapore, and North America.

SHEL

Equities

Large Cap

News

Media

Market Vectors RVE Hard Assets Producers ETF

HJEN

Shell plc reportedly inked a deal with the Nigerian government to supply gas to the proposed $3.8 billion Brass methanol facility.

Shell, Nigeria Ink Gas Deal To Fuel $3.8B Methanol Project: Report

Shell rejects shareholder resolution for tighter climate targets, stating it goes against good governance and could have negative impact on customers and energy security. 

Shell Defends Climate Goals, Rejects Shareholder Resolution As Damaging

Long Ideas

Markets

Trading Ideas

STLD

On CNBC’s &#34;Halftime Report Final Trades,&#34;  Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington of Gilman Hill Asset Management, LLC said  Shell plc (NYSE: SHEL) is trading at nine tim

Shell, Freeport-McMoRan, Steel Dynamics And More On CNBC&#39;s &#39;Final Trades&#39;

Shell PLC American Depositary Shares (each representing two (2) Ordinary Shares)

Shell PLC

SHELF DRILLING LTD by Shelf Drilling Ltd.

Shelf Drilling Ltd

Bitcoin experienced a 1.5% increase over the last 24 hours following the successful completion of the fourth Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-bitcoin-halving">halving event</a>, signifying a notable reduction in miner rewards. The event, which occurs every 210,000 blocks, has seen the reward for mining a block drop from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC.
What Happened: The fourth Bitcoin halving event, a programmed process in the Bitcoin protocol, has taken place after the 840,000th block <a href="https://bitcoinhalving.club/">was</a> mined. This event, which occurs approximately every four years, is designed to manage scarcity and regulate the inflationary supply of Bitcoin.
As a result of the halving, Bitcoin miners will now receive 3.125 BTC per mined block, down from the previous 6.25 BTC. This process effectively slows down the rate at which new Bitcoin is created. The last three halvings occurred in 2012, 2016, and 2020, leading to significant drops in mining rewards over time.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38284502/dogecoin-killer-shiba-inu-sees-significant-increase-in-token-burn-rate-as-price-recovers-i?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Dogecoin Killer&#8217; Shiba Inu Sees Significant Increase In Token Burn Rate, As Price Recovers — Is A Turnaround In The Making?</a>
Despite short-term predictions of price volatility within the crypto community, there remains optimism about the long-term potential of Bitcoin&#8217;s price. Billionaire investor Tim Draper believes that the halving is going to help push Bitcoin's price up to "$250,000 or more," a forecast he has consistently proclaimed, particularly in 2022.
&#8220;The Bitcoin halving is a pivotal event that historically signals a shift in the market, usually initiating a bullish trend over the following months. As we approached the fourth halving, the anticipation built, suggesting a continued—if slightly more subdued—upward trajectory,&#8221; M2 CEO Stefan Kimmel <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-halving-2024-completion-confirmed">told</a> Cointelegraph.
Why It Matters: Cryptocurrency <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38342981/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-pick-up-steam-the-pre-halving-week-in-retrospect">markets surged on Friday</a>, with a 47.5% spike in total crypto liquidations reaching $258.7 million and a more than double increase in total exchange inflows, as investors eagerly awaited the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/bitcoin-halving" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Halving</a>.
The global cryptocurrency market cap now stands at 2.35 trillion, up 4.7% in the past 24 hours. In the same period, 84,226 traders were liquidated, with total liquidations amounting to $257.93 million, on late Friday. 
Price Action: At the time of writing BTC was trading at $63,914, gaining 0.7% in minutes after halving, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38293168/macro-guru-raoul-pal-says-80-of-his-crypto-investment-is-in-this-ethereum-rival-and-i-have?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macro Guru Raoul Pal Says 80% Of His Crypto Investment Is In This Ethereum Rival: &#8216;And I Have 1% In Stupid S&#x2A;&#x2A;t Like Dogwifhat, Dogecoin And Bonk&#8217;</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

General

$BTC

Bitcoin Shrugs Off Fourth Halving: Miner Rewards Halved, Price Holds Strong

SMFL

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

As 4/20 is upons us, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weedmaps">Weedmaps </a>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAPS#NASDAQ">MAPS</a>) has provided valuable insights to forecast a significant sales boost for the industry and a widespread celebration of marijuana. The data, derived from big data analysis of user activities on the platform, indicates that the previous year&#8217;s 4/20 was highly successful, with Weedmaps experiencing a twofold increase in normal operations.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Data, Big Deals</h2>
Weedmaps pointed out that consumers are prioritizing value, as the platform registered a 200% surge in orders that redeem deals through the platform during 4/20 week of 2023 compared to 2022.&nbsp;
Furthermore, the platform has observed a rising trend in usage, with deal claims increasing by 100% over 2022. This uptick is likely motivated by price reductions, as the costs for flowers, vape pens, and edibles have continued to decrease for the second consecutive year, showing declines of 15%, 14%, and 17% when compared to 2021.
Weemaps also shared that consumers will probably be expending even more in goods than years before, since the average order value surged to $96.22 in 2023, a 14% increase compared to an average Thursday in April of 2023. This is despite deflation.
Additionally, the quantity of orders expanded by an average of 25% in terms of items per basket on 4/20 of last year, in comparison to 2022.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Category Insights</h2>
<ul>
<li>During the 4/20 retail week of 2023, vape pens witnessed a 29% growth over 2022, and an impressive 126% increase compared to 2020, with the largest demographic being Gen Z (31%).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Edibles are predominantly favored by consumers aged 50 and above, accounting for nearly half of all edible sales. The edibles category saw a 36% rise in orders during the 4/20 week of 2023 compared to the previous year.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cannabis flower remains the top choice across all age groups, with nearly half of all orders on 4/20 in 2023 falling into this category. Remarkably, sales of flowers through Weedmaps surged by 47% on 4/20 compared to the prior year, and this growth expanded to 202% when compared to 4/20 in 2020.</li>
</ul>

Cannabis

MAPS

Unparalleled 4/20: Weedmaps Unveils Consumer Trends Ahead Of Cannabis Industry's Biggest Holiday

As you may have heard, cannabis consumption among older folks is on the rise. More specifically, seniors are one of the fastest-growing groups of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis users in the U.S. </a>
As it turns out, many older adults have been consuming weed for decades and new ones are joining in on the fun. Cannabis consumption among our parents and grandparents has quadrupled in the past eight years.
Study after study suggests that older adults are using cannabis to remedy an array of conditions such as sleep issues, pain,&nbsp;inflammation and to activate their appetites. 
But most consume because they still enjoy getting high.
"Sure, I sleep better with cannabis and topical creams alleviate my knee pain, but that's all new. I've been smoking pot for the past four decades and I see no reason to stop getting high," said Cynthia P who recently retired as an ER nurse in Ohio where recreational marijuana <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/11/35664155/ohio-legalizes-cannabis-and-overwhelmingly-approves-abortion-rights">became legal</a> last November.
Scientists and researchers are wisely becoming interested in this Baby Boomer demographic of 77 million, many of whom are healthy, economically stable and have no plans of checking out anytime soon, so they say.
One particular<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2022.804890/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;study</a>,&nbsp;that examined marijuana use in adults aged&nbsp;60 to 88 found that&nbsp;whole-plant cannabis did&nbsp;not harm&nbsp;cognition but rather the opposite.&nbsp;Older cannabis users, relative to non-users, had&nbsp;significantly greater neuronal communication between the cerebellum and hippocampus.
Why? Age-related changes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/07/28272841/the-endocannabinoid-system-101-the-basics-made-easy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endocannabinoid system</a>&nbsp;(ECS) include a decrease in the number of cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain.&nbsp;The ECS,&nbsp;a significant aspect of our human physiology that&nbsp;helps maintain homeostasis,&nbsp;is a complex cell-signaling system in the brain and body that interacts with just about all of our&nbsp;other body systems.&nbsp;
Which means? During normal aging, the decline in cannabinoid receptors correlates with increased levels of inflammation in these brain regions causing a loss of neurons in the hippocampus, which is critical for learning and&nbsp;memory.&nbsp;This, in short, explains age-related memory impairment.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Oh, I believe that," Cynthia told Benzinga. "While I never consumed for a full shift before going to work, I'm convinced that marijuana has helped keep me and my mind sharp as I aged. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but for people of my generation there's nothing better."
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38341776/hemp-space-grew-3x-the-rate-of-cannabis-where-did-marijuana-get-it-wrong">Hemp Space Grew 3X The Rate Of Cannabis, Where Did Marijuana Get It Wrong?</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Exclusives

It's 4/20, Do You Know Where Your Parents Are?

The Detroit Lions finished with one of their best records in years for the 2023 season, which means they will have a lower pick in the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/nfldraft/"> 2024 NFL Draft.</a>
Would General Manager Brad Holmes consider trading out of the first round with the 2024 NFL Draft taking place in Detroit?
What Happened: Detroit Lions fans might not like the answer given by Holmes to the media on scenarios that could see the Lions trade their 29th overall first-round pick and move back in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/nfldraft/detroit-live-events/">2024 NFL Draft.</a>
Holmes was asked about a scenario of trading out of the first round and didn't hesitate to say he will do what is best for the franchise.
"We have to do the right thing for the organization," Holmes said, as <a href="https://www.detroitlions.com/news/holmes-prepared-to-apologize-to-fans-if-lions-trade-out-of-first-round">reported </a>by Lions writer Mike O'Hara.
Holmes said while he would consider trading out of the first round, it's important to note that, with the draft taking place in Detroit, there might be a greater chance of upsetting the fans if he makes such a move.
A trade out of the first round could mean that any Lions fans in attendance Thursday will have spent all day downtown to watch other teams take their players in the draft.
Holmes said he would send out a "PSA and apologize" if he trades out of the first round.
"Hopefully, our fans will forgive us. We won't expect immediate forgiveness right then and there, but hopefully when the season starts."
Detroit was announced as the host city for the NFL Draft back in 2022.
"Another opportunity for our franchise and our city and just for the world to kind of migrate to downtown Detroit," Holmes said earlier this week.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/04/38318190/michigan-wolverines-will-have-6-high-demand-players-in-2024-nfl-draft-will-history-repeat-">Michigan Wolverines Will Have 6 High-Demand Players In 2024 NFL Draft: Will History Repeat Itself?</a>
Why It's Important: Holmes is no stranger to trading in the NFL Draft. Since joining as the Lions GM in 2021, Holmes has taken part in several drafts for the team and is known for dealmaking.
This includes the 2023 NFL Draft, which saw the Lions trade their sixth overall pick, acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the Matthew Stafford trade. The Lions traded the sixth pick to the Arizona Cardinals and received back the 12th, 34th and 168th overall picks.
Lions fans will remember the 2023 Draft saw several impact players taken including running back Jahymyr Gibbs with the 12th pick and tight end Sam LaPorta with the 34th pick. Both rookies played in the 2023 NFL season and were among the top first-year players, finishing third and fourth, respectively, in NFC offensive rookie of the year voting.
The 12-5 record and appearance in the NFC Championship game gives the Lions the 29th overall pick, one of their lowest earned in years.
The Lions also have the 61st overall pick and 73rd, but have only those three picks in the first four rounds, with no fourth-round pick this year. This could prompt Holmes to be open to trades to pick up additional picks. The Lions also have a fifth-round pick, two sixth-round picks and a seventh-round pick, for seven overall picks.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions had eight picks, including two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
The Lions have had a first round pick in every season since 1994, with 1993 being the last year they didn't select a player in the first round.
The Lions&#8217; top needs by position include cornerback, offensive line and wide receiver. The Lions last took a wide receiver in the first round of 2022 (Jameson Williams) and a cornerback in the first round of 2020 (Jeff Okudah). For the offensive line, the Lions last took a guard or center in the first round in 2018 with Frank Ragnow, and last took an offensive tackle in the first round in 2021 with Penei Sewell. Of these four players, three are still with the Lions.
Join Benzinga's live draft reaction show Thursday, April 25 to hear our instant thought on who the Lions take 29th overall or our reaction to the Lions trading out of the first round.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#x1f534; LIVE NFL Draft Watch Party: Benzinga&#039;s Expert Analysis &amp; Reactions!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XMBqIWZb7h0?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>
</div>
</figure>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Sports

Detroit Lions Have First-Round Pick Every Year Since 1994: Would They Really Trade Out With Draft In Motor City?

&quot;We are disappointed to announce the wind-down of our Phase 2 NASH trial, which we attribute entirely to resource constraints,&quot; said John Brancaccio, Executive Chairman of Hepion. &quot;The Company remains committed to its strategic alternative efforts previously announced in December 2023. Given the number of enrolled NASH patients to date and the low probability of generating relevant efficacy data to support a registrational trial with our current cash resources, we have opted to wind down the program and assure that patients are transitioned out of the trial in a safe and compliant manner. There were no safety concerns observed for rencofilstat in the ASCEND-NASH trial.&quot;

Biotech

HEPA

Hepion Pharmaceuticals Says Given The Number Of Enrolled NASH Patients To Date And The Low Probability Of Generating Relevant Efficacy Data To Support A Registrational Trial With Our Current Cash Resources, We Have Opted To Wind Down The Program And Assure That Patients Are Transitioned Out Of The Trial In A Safe And Compliant Manner"

Hepion Pharmaceuticals Shares Resumed Trading

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) voiced her support for a Department of Justice antitrust case against leading technology company Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), which was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37905532/apple-slams-dangerous-doj-lawsuit-tim-cooks-iphone-suggestion-returns-to-haunt-and-potential-google">announced last month.</a>
In comments shared on social media, Warren took aim at the smartphone market segment of Apple.
What Happened: Apple is one of the largest smartphone companies in the world and in 2023 had seven of the top 10 selling smartphones globally <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37245799/apple-dominates-2023-smartphone-list-with-7-of-top-10-models-why-its-important-for-iphone-growth">according to a report.</a>
According to Warren, Apple has a monopoly in the smartphone market and one of the company's key features could be ruining friendships and relationships.
"Green texts on iPhones, they're ruining relationships," Warren <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren/status/1781086997014040759">said </a>in a video posted on X.
The green texts refer to the texts that come from non-Apple phones in green bubbles versus the blue bubbles displayed by iPhone users.
"Non iPhone users everywhere are being excluded from group texts."
Warren said that this means some non-Apple smartphone users are not being included in chats about vacation plans, group chats or chats with other sports fans.
"And who's to blame here? Apple."
Warren said that the green vs. blue bubble text icons are just one example of the dirty tactics used by Apple to "keep a stranglehold on the smartphone market."
"Apple has used its monopoly on the smartphone to lock Americans into services and amass billions of dollars in profits."
Warren mentioned that apps that would let Google users use iMessage and get blue texts were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36165068/apple-pulls-plug-on-imessage-for-android-app-beeper-mini-its-back-to-green-bubbles-now-for-android-u">blocked by Apple.</a>
"It's time to break up Apple's monopoly now."
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/03/37876155/apple-doj-lawsuit-could-challenge-core-business-model-leading-analyst-predicts-what">Apple DOJ Lawsuit Could Challenge &#8216;Core Business Model&#8217;: Leading Analyst Predicts What&#8217;s Next For Tech Giant</a>
Why It's Important: The video shared by Warren was Community Noted on X, with readers providing more context.
"As of Jan 2024, iPhone has a 57% market share, to Android 42% in North America. A monopoly is exclusive control, or no close substitutes," the note reads.
In March, the Department of Justice filed an antitrust suit against Apple, which includes allegations that the company restricts access to iPhone hardware and software features.
A <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/19/elizabeth-warren-on-green-texts/">report </a>from 9to5Mac indicates that the antitrust lawsuit now encompasses claims from non-iPhone users who feel socially stigmatized and excluded in chats with iPhone users. This issue stems from the ongoing<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34818276/get-the-message-google-roasts-apple-with-new-mocking-ipager-add-to-end-green-vs-blue-text-bubbles-wa"> blue vs. green bubble text debate.</a>
AAPL Price Action: Apple shares closed at $165.00 on Friday, versus a 52-week trading range of $162.80 to $199.62.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38305131/elizabeth-warren-says-trump-had-only-2-accomplishments-as-president-huge-difference-between-bide"> Elizabeth Warren Says Trump Had Only 2 Accomplishments As President: &#8216;Huge Difference Between&#8217; Biden, Trump</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

Legal

AAPL

Elizabeth Warren Attacks Apple Smartphone 'Monopoly': 'Green Texts On iPhones, They're Ruining Relationships'

Trading Halt: Halt status updated at 4:55:00 PM ET: Quotation Resumption: News and Resumption Times

Management

AFJK

On April 15, Aimei Health Technology's Juan Fernandez Pascual Tendered His Resignation As CEO, Secretary And A Director; Co Appointed Junheng Xie As CEO, Secretary And A Director

Global

Honda Exec Says Company To Invest 4.2B Reais In Brazil Plant, Focusing On Hybrid-Flex Vehicles

COSM

Cosmos Health Received Nasdaq Notice On Late Filing Of Its Form 10-K; On April 17 Received Notification Letter Stating Co Is No Longer In Compliance With Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1); Intends To Resolve Deficiency And Regain Compliance With Nasdaq Listing Rules

BTOG

On Feb 19, Bit Origin Ltd Terminated Employment Of Its CFO, Xia Wang; On April 10, Lucas Wang Resigned As CEO And Chairman Of Board; Current COO, Has Been Appointed CEO, Chairman Of Board And A Director Of Co; Co To Conduct A Search To Replace Xia Wang As Company's CFO

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on ServiceNow.
Looking at options history for ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) we detected 56 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 35% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 64% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 25 are puts, for a total amount of $1,473,153 and 31, calls, for a total amount of $2,469,435.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $300.0 to $1040.0 for ServiceNow over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</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 ServiceNow'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 ServiceNow's whale trades within a strike price range from $300.0 to $1040.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>ServiceNow Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713559550_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 style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$108.8</td>
<td>$106.7</td>
<td>$108.8</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$598.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">142</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$37.0</td>
<td>$31.7</td>
<td>$36.5</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$310.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">35</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/10/24</td>
<td>$39.1</td>
<td>$36.7</td>
<td>$39.1</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$293.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$32.8</td>
<td>$32.1</td>
<td>$32.1</td>
<td>$720.00</td>
<td>$227.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">75</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$31.9</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$800.00</td>
<td>$132.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">131</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About ServiceNow</h3>
ServiceNow Inc provides software solutions to structure and automate various business processes via a SaaS delivery model. The company primarily focuses on the IT function for enterprise customers. ServiceNow began with IT service management, expanded within the IT function, and more recently directed its workflow automation logic to functional areas beyond IT, notably customer service, HR service delivery, and security operations. ServiceNow also offers an application development platform as a service.
<h3>Current Position of ServiceNow</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,536,830, with NOW's price down by -2.39%, positioned at $713.91.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 5 days.</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 ServiceNow, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

This Is What Whales Are Betting On ServiceNow

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on AstraZeneca. Our analysis of options history for AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>) revealed 12 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 16% of traders were bullish, while 83% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $90,336, and 9 were calls, valued at $981,928.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $66.0 and $77.5 for AstraZeneca, spanning the last three months.
<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 AstraZeneca'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 AstraZeneca's whale activity within a strike price range from $66.0 to $77.5 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AstraZeneca Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713559545_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>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$1.06</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$594.6K</td>
<td>14.1K</td>
<td>8.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$1.54</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$69.4K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$1.52</td>
<td>$1.51</td>
<td>$1.51</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$67.6K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$1.49</td>
<td>$1.25</td>
<td>$1.49</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$66.7K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$1.57</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>$1.49</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$49.6K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>920</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AstraZeneca</h3>
A merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca Group of the United Kingdom formed AstraZeneca in 1999. The firm sells branded drugs across several major therapeutic classes, including gastrointestinal, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, immunology and rare diseases. The majority of sales come from international markets with the United States representing close to one third of its revenue.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with AstraZeneca, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is AstraZeneca Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 4,720,283, the price of AZN is up by 0.28%, reaching $68.55.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 6 days from now.</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 AstraZeneca options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Looking At AstraZeneca's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Astera Labs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALAB#NASDAQ">ALAB</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 ALAB, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Astera Labs.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 44% bullish and 55%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $55,500, and 8, calls, for a total amount of $413,781.
<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 $35.0 to $100.0 for Astera Labs 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 Astera Labs'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 Astera Labs's whale trades within a strike price range from $35.0 to $100.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Astera Labs Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713559539_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>ALAB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$21.0</td>
<td>$20.0</td>
<td>$21.0</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$73.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">43</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$32.7</td>
<td>$30.9</td>
<td>$32.52</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$65.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$63.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">37</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$5.6</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$59.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">37</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">472</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$11.1</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$11.1</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$55.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">425</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">66</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Astera Labs</h3>
Astera Labs Inc is a company that offers an Intelligent Connectivity Platform, comprised of Semiconductor-based, high-speed mixed-signal connectivity products that integrate a matrix of microcontrollers and sensors. COSMOS, their software suite which is embedded in its connectivity products and integrated into their customers' systems. The Company delivers critical connectivity performance, enables flexibility and customization, and supports observability and predictive analytics. This approach addresses the data, network, and memory bottlenecks, scalability, and other infrastructure requirements of hyperscalers and system original equipment manufacturers.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Astera Labs, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of Astera Labs</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 3,996,863, with ALAB's price down by -10.18%, positioned at $63.7.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 14 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Astera Labs</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $88.0.
<ul>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $100.</li>
<li>An analyst from Barclays downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $85. </li>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Roth MKM lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $85.</li>
<li>In a cautious move, an analyst from JP Morgan downgraded its rating to Overweight, setting a price target of $85. </li>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Needham lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $85.</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 Astera Labs, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

ALAB

Decoding Astera Labs's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

GILD

LPTX

Leap Therapeutics 13G Filing Shows Gilead Sciences, Inc. Reported A 13.9% Stake In The Co As Of April 10, 2024

Offerings

KZIA

Kazia Therapeutics Ltd Entered Into Purchase Agreement With Alumni Capital LP; Pursuant To Purchase Agreement, May Sell To Alumni Capital Up To $15M Of American Depositary Shares From Time To Time

MNTS

Momentus Inc Receives Nasdaq Deficiency Notification Regarding Delayed Form 10-K

Gulf Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GURE#NASDAQ">GURE</a>) ("Gulf Resources" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of bromine, crude salt and specialty chemical products in China, today announced that it received a notice (the "Notice") from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") notifying the Company that due to the Company's failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq's continued listing requirements under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the "Rule"), which requires the timely filing of all required periodic reports with the SEC. &nbsp;
The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company's common stock on Nasdaq. Under the Nasdaq rules, the Company has 60 calendar days, or until June 17, 2024, to file the 2023 Form 10-K or to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule. If the Company submits a plan to Nasdaq and Nasdaq accepts the plan, Nasdaq can grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the filing's due date, or until October 14, 2024, to regain compliance. If the Company fails to timely regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), the Company's common stock will be subject to delisting from Nasdaq.
The Company continues to work diligently to complete the 2023 Form 10-K and currently intends to file the 2023 Form 10-K by no later than June 10, 2024.
This announcement is made in compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a notification of deficiency.

GURE

Gulf Resources Announces Receipt Of Nasdaq Non-Compliance Notice Notifying The Company That Due To The Co's Failure To Timely File Its Annual Report On Form 10-K For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
UK-based Shell plc (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/shel-stock-quote/">SHEL</a>) continues to break out of its shell, so to speak. In 2023, Shell stock <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/oilmajors-stock-prices-19841f89?mod=md_stockoverview_news">outperformed its stateside peers</a>. So far this year, has continued to move higher, for reasons beyond just the latest spike in fossil fuel prices.



That is, investors have also reacted positively to a spate of company-related developments over the past few months. Yet even after SHEL&rsquo;s latest moderate move higher, there&rsquo;s still the opportunity to lock down a long-term position at a reasonable price.



It all has to do with the factors that have already propelled shares higher, as well as potential catalysts on the horizon. 



I&rsquo;m not saying that this large-cap energy stock is going to make a &ldquo;to the moon&rdquo; move throughout the year. However, there&rsquo;s a clear path for the stock to deliver another year of above-average gains relative to other names in the space.



<h2>Investors Have Been Warming Back Up to Shell Stock</h2>



Until 2021, Shell plc, formerly known as Royal Dutch Shell, operated as a Anglo-Dutch company, with legal domicile in both the U.K. and the Netherlands. However, that year, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/21/royal-dutch-no-more-shell-officially-changes-name.html">Shell left the Netherlands for good</a>, becoming solely a U.K.-domiciled entity. 



Investors were happy with this move. Besides simplifying Shell&rsquo;s corporate structure, this move was also seen as something that would enable Shell to break free from European pressure to quickly get out of the fossil fuel business, to become primarily a renewable energy company.



Over the past year, Shell stock has kept rallying, as the company has taken further action to assuage investors that it intends to remain an oil and gas company for the time being. 



Other actions from management, like <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/shell-stock-dividend-buyback-ac3fa15a?mod=article_inline">an increased commitment to dividends and buybacks</a>, has also helped to shift sentiment for SHEL back to bullish.



Since the start of 2024, bullishness for Shell has kept on climbing. The market <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4061397-shells-q4-beat-35b-buyback-launch-sets-high-bar-for-oil-company-earnings">reacted positively to Shell&rsquo;s latest earnings release</a>. Management has also kept on <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/shell-to-slow-pace-of-carbon-emission-cuts-4b24acce">slowing down its energy transition plans</a>. 



As InvestorPlace&rsquo;s Chris MacDonald discussed last month, investors have also <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/shell-layoffs-2024-what-to-know-about-the-latest-shel-job-cuts-2/">reacted positively to recent layoff news</a>. These layoffs further indicate Shell&rsquo;s focus on maximizing shareholder value.



<h2>This Sentiment Shift Stands to Continue</h2>



Shell stock currently trades near multi-year highs, but don&rsquo;t assume that shares are at risk of running out of runway. For one, after exceeding expectations last quarter, the company may be poised to beat forecasts once again, when the integrated oil giant next reports earnings in May.



Yes, earlier this month, Shell warned investors that results for its liquid natural gas trading business will decline during Q1 2024, relative to Q4 2023. However, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/shell-sees-lower-integrated-gas-performance-q1-2024-04-05/">the strong performance of its crude oil trading business</a> could end up more than making up for this. 



Updates to guidance could indicate stronger results ahead, thanks to factors like the above-mentioned run-up in crude oil prices.



Long-term, SHEL&rsquo;s breakout rally could carry on. Again, thanks to existing catalysts and potential future catalysts. Shell remains committed to capitalizing on <a href="https://www.shell.com/what-we-do/oil-and-natural-gas/liquefied-natural-gas-lng/lng-outlook-2024.html">rising demand for LNG</a>, which the company believes will rise in use by 50% by 2040. 



Regarding its changing energy transition strategy, Shell&rsquo;s focus on efforts like <a href="https://qz.com/shell-ev-charging-network-upgrade-1851349347">quadrupling the size of its EV charger network</a> could prove to be a profitable move, not simply a means to &ldquo;go green.&rdquo;



Management may also be contemplating a major move, which could help to bridge a longstanding valuation gap.



<h2>As the Bull Case Strengthens, Make SHEL a Buy</h2>



SHEL remains undervalued compared to its U.S.-based counterparts. Shell trades for around 9.1 times earnings. ExxonMobil (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/xom-stock-quote/">XOM</a>) and Chevron (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cvx-stock-quote/">CVX</a>) trade for 13 and 12 times forward earnings, respectively.



Shell CEO Wael Sawan believes that <a href="https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Shell-Considers-Leaving-London-Stock-Exchange.html">a big reason for this valuation gap</a> is that Shell still has its primary stock market listing on the London Stock Exchange, rather than on a U.S. exchange like the New York Stock Exchange. 



While not certain, a listing change could lead to a re-rating for shares. So too, could positive developments related to Shell&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ac1623a4-d87a-4ad5-9328-59c09f381a8f">appeal of a climate ruling</a> from a Dutch court, issued right before its Netherlands exit.



Taking into account the myriad of factors that could drive additional gains, not to mention the stock&rsquo;s 3.83% forward dividend yield, there&rsquo;s a clear takeaway. As the bull case strengthens, make Shell stock a buy.



On the date of publication, Thomas Niel did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Thomas Niel, contributor for InvestorPlace.com, has been writing single-stock analysis for web-based publications since 2016.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/shell-stocks-breakout-bonanza-why-this-energy-giant-is-poised-for-explosive-gains/">Shell Stock&#8217;s Breakout Bonanza: Why This Energy Giant Is Poised for Explosive Gains</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

Shell Stock's Breakout Bonanza: Why This Energy Giant Is Poised for Explosive Gains

Groningen gas field set for shutdown as Dutch Senate approves law

Shell urges investors to reject climate resolution filed by shareholder group

Kazakhstan compensation claims against Kashagan oil firms top $150B - Bloomberg

Shell Plc (SHEL) has released an update. Shell Plc has announced its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be a hybrid event, allowing shareholders ...

Shell Plc Announces Hybrid 2024 AGM

In a report released today, Ryan Todd from Piper Sandler maintained a Buy rating on Shell (SHEL – Research Report), with a price target of $85.00. ...

Shell (SHEL) Gets a Buy from Piper Sandler

Nigeria says deal reached with Shell to supply $3.8B methanol project

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Both the month of April and the second quarter are off to a bumpy start, and all major indices are continuing to slip lower. So far this month, the S&amp;P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ are down 4.6%, 5.1%, and 4.7%, respectively.
This is primarily due to the hot Consumer Price Index (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cpi-stock-quote/">CPI</a>) reading for March. <a href="https://investorplace.com/market360/2024/04/what-the-latest-inflation-data-means-for-rate-cuts-this-year/">As I discussed in last Saturday&rsquo;s Market 360</a>, headline CPI rose 0.4% in March and was up 3.5% in the past 12 months &ndash; topping economists&rsquo; forecasts for a 0.3% monthly increase and a 3.4% annual increase.
The Producer Price Index (PPI) was a little better. The PPI rose 0.2% in March, which was below economists&rsquo; estimates for a 0.3% gain. Headline PPI was up 2.1% in the past 12 months &ndash; the biggest jump in nearly a year. However, this was still below economists&rsquo; expectations for a 2.2% increase.
The 10-year Treasury yield spiked in the wake of the CPI report on Wednesday, climbing as high as 4.568% &ndash; a level not seen since November 2023 &ndash; and now stands at about 4.62%.
This poses a big problem for the Federal Reserve. Earlier in the year, the central bank had hinted it would cut key interest rates in June. But with inflation still high, it will likely have to postpone its rate cuts until July or later. And Fed Chair Jerome Powell pretty much confirmed that earlier this week.
Now, while the broader market may be pulling back&hellip; there is one sector that&rsquo;s exhibited relative strength in April. In fact, it&rsquo;s quietly rallied all year long.
It&rsquo;s not tech, the Magnificent Seven companies or <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/technology/artificial-intelligence/">AI stocks</a>&hellip;
I&rsquo;m talking about the energy sector.
The energy sector fell about 1.3% in 2023 (in comparison, the S&amp;P 500 climbed about 26%), but it has been in a stealth rally since the beginning of this year. In fact, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/xle-stock-quote/">XLE</a>) is up 12.9% year-to-date compared to the S&amp;P 500&rsquo;s 5.1% gain.
<a href="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sp500-and-xle.png"><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sp500-and-xle.png" alt="" width="616" height="382"></a>
The reason <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/">energy stocks</a> are doing so well is simple&hellip; oil prices are up.
Crude oil prices have rallied 19% so far this year, while West Texas Intermediate (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wti-stock-quote/">WTI</a>) crude oil reached $87 per barrel before leveling off recently around $85. That&rsquo;s the highest level since mid-October last year.
<a href="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/crude-oil-prices.png"><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/crude-oil-prices.png" alt="" width="614" height="382"></a>
This, of course, is good for energy stocks. But the big question is, will this rise in oil prices continue?
That&rsquo;s the question I&rsquo;ll answer in today&rsquo;s Market 360. I&rsquo;ll explain the two major factors contributing to the rally in the energy sector. I&rsquo;ll also share why I think energy stocks deserve a place in just about every investor&rsquo;s portfolio &ndash; and where you can find the best of them.


<h2>Two Factors Behind Oil&rsquo;s Resurgence</h2>
<h3>Factor No. 1: Geopolitical Tensions</h3>
The biggest and most obvious cause of oil&rsquo;s strength is ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as well as between Russia and Ukraine.
The latest development came last Saturday when Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles into Israel. This was a retaliation for an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria earlier this month.
Now, Israel has pledged to respond with a show of strength in the wake of this unprecedented attack. But after Israel&rsquo;s war cabinet meeting on Sunday, it remains to be seen whether this will occur.
On April 2, Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia&rsquo;s third-biggest oil refinery. While this didn&rsquo;t cause critical damage, the reality is that four of Russia&rsquo;s refineries have been attacked by Ukraine in recent months.
These Ukrainian strikes are part of a bid to reduce fuel supplies to the Russian military, as well as to cut revenues from exports that Moscow uses to fund the war.&nbsp; Now, the White House has been concerned that these attacks will impact global energy markets, and it has urged the Ukrainians to focus on military targets instead.
But my big concern is that Ukraine may eventually target Russia&rsquo;s pipeline from the Arctic. If this happens, the pipeline would be offline for three years &ndash; and oil prices could easily surge to $100 per barrel.
<h3>Factor No. 2: OPEC Production Cuts</h3>
The second factor is the production cuts from OPEC+.
On April 3, the oil cartel confirmed that it is extending its previously announced production cuts through the second quarter. This means there will be about 2.2 million barrels of oil per day off of the market through June.
This is a big move that&rsquo;s likely to keep oil prices elevated while geopolitical tensions are high.
I should also mention that this comes at a time when higher seasonal demand kicks in. The fact is demand picks up in the Northern Hemisphere as temperatures begin to rise. Just in time for the summer driving season, too.
Gas prices have gone up 15% this year, averaging $3.57 per gallon in the U.S., according to AAA. And since more people live in the Northern Hemisphere than the Southern Hemisphere, this causes higher demand. Add it all up, and this serves as a launching pad for energy prices.
<h2>Where You Can Find the Best Energy Stocks</h2>
Higher energy prices are expected to persist in the near term, which is why energy has been a bright spot in an otherwise rocky market in April.
And the fact of the matter is it makes sense to hold the energy stocks &ndash; one reason being diversification. These stocks often &ldquo;zig&rdquo; when the <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/technology/">tech stocks</a> &ldquo;zag,&rdquo; so they can actually lower the risk of your portfolio. Plus, any unexpected escalation or geopolitical shock could send oil prices skyrocketing, which would obviously benefit energy stocks as well.
For that reason, I think just about every portfolio should have some exposure to energy stocks.
As far as the energy sector goes, there are a lot of options. Personally, I like the LNG tankers and the energy refiners, and I also think a lot of the integrated energy stocks make sense right now.
And my <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT787874&amp;eid=MKT799527&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC206976">Accelerated Profits</a> Buy List is the perfect place to find them.
In fact, four of my <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT787874&amp;eid=MKT799527&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC206976">Accelerated Profits</a> energy stocks have ticked up higher this year, with gains ranging from 15% to 40% year-to-date.
Now, I expect the momentum to continue during the first-quarter earnings season that&rsquo;s currently underway. But the reality is that just about all of the stocks on our <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT787874&amp;eid=MKT799527&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC206976">Accelerated Profits</a> Buy List should do well. That&rsquo;s because my Buy List is full of <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT787874&amp;eid=MKT799527&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC206976">fundamentally superior stocks</a>, which are currently characterized by 31.2% average forecasted sales growth and 276% average forecasted earnings growth.
So, I expect my <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT787874&amp;eid=MKT799527&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC206976">Accelerated Profits</a> stocks to post wave-after-wave of positive surprises. And that, in turn, should dropkick and drive these stocks, including energy my ones, even higher this quarter.
<a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT787874&amp;eid=MKT799527&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC206976">To gain full access to my Accelerated Profits Buy List &ndash; including my favorite energy plays &ndash; become a member of Accelerated Profits today</a>.
(Already an Accelerated Profits subscriber? <a href="https://investorplace.com/acceleratedprofits/">Click here to access the members-only website</a>.)
Sincerely,
<img src="https://dam.investorplace.com/7MUXXAF6/at/c33xrbwm7485prvgx49jnmv/louis_navellier.png" alt="Louis Navellier's signature" width="225">Louis Navellier
Editor, Market 360
<h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
<ul>
<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
</div>

The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/market360/2024/04/will-this-energy-stealth-rally-continue/">Will This Energy Stealth Rally Continue?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

Will This Energy Stealth Rally Continue?

The Energy sector is looking attractive again - SSGA

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Right now, artificial intelligence is all the rage in the market. This is understandable, of course, since AI is set to change the world as we know it.
For example&hellip;

<ul>
<li>AI is revolutionizing healthcare by assisting doctors in diagnosing diseases and helping pharmaceutical companies develop new treatments.</li>
<li>AI chatbots and virtual assistants handle customer inquiries and provide support 24/7, improving customer satisfaction and reducing response times.</li>
<li>AI-generated media is upending our notions of creativity and inspiring new forms of expression.</li>
</ul>
The list goes on&hellip;
And right before our eyes, companies like NVIDIA Corporation (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nvda-stock-quote/">NVDA</a>), which makes the chips necessary for companies looking to implement generative AI, are making money hand over fist, enriching investors in the process.
But I am here to tell you that you should always keep an eye out for the next technological revolution on the horizon. Because by the time the mainstream public hears about it, the &ldquo;easy&rdquo; money will have already been made.
So, in today&rsquo;s Market 360, I&rsquo;ll explain where I predict the next technological revolution is going to come from. Then, I&rsquo;ll share where you can find more information on this revolution so you can feel confident when it takes over.

<h2>Quantum Computing Set to Change the World</h2>
This may come as a surprise&hellip; but this technology has nothing to do with ChatGPT or any of the other generative AI software out there. Instead, this technology harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for classic computers.
I&rsquo;m talking about quantum computing, or more specifically, Quantum Computing-as-a-Service (QaaS).
Now, quantum computing has been discussed in academic circles for decades. In the 1980s, a physicist named Paul Benioff published research that first described how quantum computing might work. Then, in the late 1990s, small-scale quantum computers were constructed to demonstrate their feasibility.
In 2019, researchers at Google gave a quantum computer one of the most difficult math problems in existence &ndash; one that would have taken the world&rsquo;s most powerful supercomputer 10,000 years to solve.
The quantum computer solved it in less than four minutes.
The practical applications for this are almost too revolutionary to grasp. With computers that are orders of magnitude more powerful than current technology, we&rsquo;re going to solve problems that were once thought impossible.
There&rsquo;s just one problem. Up until recently, quantum computers were prohibitively expensive. And for that reason, they only existed in university research labs and places like Google.
But thanks to the <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">QaaS Revolution</a>, that&rsquo;s all about to change.
In fact, the QaaS trend is beginning to explode. Already it is set to be the biggest disruption of all time to America&rsquo;s largest industries, including pharmaceutical, oil &amp; gas, telecom, farming, aerospace, logistics, automotive and even finance.
We&rsquo;re talking about industries worth a collective $46 trillion that could be turned on their head, thanks to this breakthrough technology.
Likewise, consulting giant McKinsey &amp; Company estimates that just four industries &ndash; automotive, chemicals, financial services and life sciences &ndash; could gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035, thanks to the <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">QaaS Revolution</a>.
<h2>Prepping for the QaaS Takeover</h2>
The reality is that as the <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">QaaS Revolution</a> unfolds, there will be a ton of cash flowing into the sector. Companies will be scrambling to harness the power of quantum computing to race ahead of the competition &ndash; or risk getting left behind.
If history has taught us anything, it&rsquo;s that if a revolutionary technology improves our lives, or makes things cheaper, or more efficient &ndash; the adoption of that technology spreads like wildfire&hellip; no matter what. So, you don&rsquo;t want to get left behind from this revolution.
We&rsquo;re now approaching a new technological tipping point with quantum computing. And when that occurs, we could be on the cusp of curing major diseases and totally transforming the way we work, live and play.
Currently, there&rsquo;s one tiny QaaS company set to dominate the industry. Some experts predict it could be the next&nbsp;NVIDIA. Simply put, in the same way NVIDIA&rsquo;s chips provided the backbone for AI, this small company will provide the backbone for QaaS.
I recently released a brand-new report to my <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">Growth Investor</a> subscribers &ndash; <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">My #1 QaaS Stock: The Tiny Company About to Dominate the Coming $46 Trillion Disruption</a> &ndash; where I detail everything you need to know to capitalize on QaaS.
I also shared with them another special report on this topic &ndash; <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">Two Incredible QaaS Stock&rsquo;s for Six Figure Paydays</a> &ndash; which details the two stocks that could turn out to be nice six-figure paydays from the QaaS Revolution. Plus, I reveal 25 ticking timebomb companies that are about to be wrecked by the <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">QaaS Revolution</a> in my third report, <a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">Avoid These 25 Stocks as QaaS Takes Over</a>.
<a href="https://secure.investorplace.com/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT800262&amp;step=start&amp;plcid=PLC207002&amp;SNAID=%%SNAID%%&amp;email=%%emailaddr%%&amp;encryptedSnaid=%%ENCRYPTEDSNAID%%&amp;emailjobid=%%jobid%%&amp;emailname=%%emailname_%%">Click here to find out how to access these three reports now</a>.
(Already a&nbsp;Growth Investor&nbsp;subscriber?&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/growthinvestor/">Click here to log in to the members-only website now</a>.)
Sincerely,
<img src="https://dam.investorplace.com/7MUXXAF6/at/c33xrbwm7485prvgx49jnmv/louis_navellier.png" alt="Louis Navellier's signature" width="225">Louis Navellier
Editor, Market 360
The Editor hereby discloses that as of the date of this email, the Editor, directly or indirectly, owns the following securities that are the subject of the commentary, analysis, opinions, advice, or recommendations in, or which are otherwise mentioned in, the essay set forth below:
NVIDIA Corporation (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nvda-stock-quote/">NVDA</a>)
<h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
<ul>
<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
</div>

The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/market360/2024/04/a-new-technological-revolution-is-coming/">A New Technological Revolution Is Coming – Here's How You Can Profit From It</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.