U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USBpS) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

U.S. Bancorp

With assets of around $680 billion, U.S. Bancorp is one of the largest regional banks in the us with its footprint in 26 states. The bank's branch network is mostly in the midwestern and western markets. U.S. Bancorp has a comprehensive product set, with offerings in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, mortgages, payment services, trust, and wealth services.

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Series O Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

On Friday, the FDA approved AstraZeneca Plc's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>) Calquence in combination with bendamustine and rituximab for adult patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech">stem cell transplantation.</a>
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and typically aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), often diagnosed at an advanced stage. It is estimated that there are more than 21,000 patients diagnosed with MCL in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and China.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42363652/soon-after-approval-for-lung-cancer-astrazenecas-cancer-drug-imfinzi-goes-under-fda-priority-review-for-bladder-cancer" rel="noreferrer noopener">After Lung Cancer Approval, AstraZeneca&#8217;s Imfinzi Goes Under FDA Priority Review For Bladder Cancer</a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2025/calquence-combination-approved-in-us-for-1l-mcl.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">approval</a> was based on results from the ECHO Phase 3 trial presented at the European Hematology Association 2024 Congress.
Results from the ECHO trial showed Calquence  (acalabrutinib) plus bendamustine and rituximab reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 27% compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy.
Median progression-free survival was 66.4 months for patients treated with the&nbsp;Calquence&nbsp;combination versus 49.6 months with chemoimmunotherapy alone.
The approval additionally converts&nbsp;Calquence's&nbsp;accelerated approval to full approval for adult patients with MCL treated with at least one prior therapy, as granted by the FDA in October 2017.
The ECHO trial enrolled patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. After censoring COVID-19 deaths, progression-free survival was further improved in both arms, with the&nbsp;Calquence combination reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 36%.
Although overall survival data were not mature at the time of the analysis, when censored for COVID-19, a favorable trend was seen for overall survival despite 69% of patients in the chemoimmunotherapy arm receiving treatment with a BTK inhibitor on relapse or disease progression.
Price Action: AZN stock is up 0.06% at $66.95 at last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43054648/wipro-q3-earnings-24-5-profit-jump-it-services-margins-hit-12-quarter-high-boosts-interim-dividend-payout-to-70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wipro Q3 Earnings: 24.5% Profit Jump, IT Services Margins Hit 12-Quarter High, Boosts Interim Dividend Payout to 70%</a></li>
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FDA Approves AstraZeneca's Calquence Combo Therapy For Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Introduction</h2>
Building an income-focused portfolio can be tricky. Sometimes we have to sacrifice immense upside price potential for our desired income — especially when it comes to those high-octane growth stocks.
Lucky for us, over the last few years industry incumbents have introduced covered call option strategy ETFs for nearly every high-flying index out there — Nasdaq-100, Russell 2000, etc.
However, it wasn't until recently that an income-focused alternative to these high-flying spot Bitcoin ETFs came about. As an income-focused investor, the <a href="https://neosfunds.com/btci/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI)</a> is my favorite way to own Bitcoin.
By offering its investors a 28% annual distribution yield, this ETF is the best way to own Bitcoin in your portfolio if you care about both monthly income and potential price appreciation in rising markets.
In this analysis, I'm going to…
<ul>
<li>Walk you through BTCI&#8217;s investment strategy</li>
<li>Reflect upon its performance since inception</li>
<li>Suggest where it might fit inside of your income-focused portfolio</li>
</ul>
Let's dig in!
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BTCI&#8217;s Investment Strategy</h2>
The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTCI#BATS">BTCI</a>) seeks to distribute monthly income generated from writing call options on Bitcoin via Bitcoin index options — which seems to be the first ETF to do so. Given Bitcoin's historically high volatility, the management team is able to write out-of-the-money call options that don't cover the entire value of the portfolio. This means BTCI's price has the opportunity to move up and down with the price of Bitcoin.
For example, as of 1/13/25 the fund left 22% of its notional value "uncapped." In this scenario, that means 22% of the fund's value can move freely alongside the price of Bitcoin — unburdened by the "cap" of the premium income generated by writing call options.
This specific strategy is important for two reasons:
<ol>
<li>The Achilles heel of these covered call ETFs that could cause them to underperform their benchmark index is writing covered call options against the entirety of the portfolio. When you do this, the ETF's performance is capped by the total amount of premium generated during the month. If you're writing a covered call option contract 3-5% out-of-the-money, once the price of the ETF appreciates beyond that strike price you're technically "losing money."</li>
<li>To address this problem, the NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF only writes against a portion of the notional value of the portfolio. We know Bitcoin is a very volatile asset — moving up by +39% during the month of November alone. The fund's management team wants to ensure investors can realize moves like that, while pursuing the primary objective of high monthly income.</li>
</ol>
But is this strategy actually working?
Let's analyze the fund's performance since inception and find out.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BTCI&#8217;s Performance Since Inception</h2>
The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF began trading on October 18, 2024. The fund began trading at $50 / share, while the price of Bitcoin was ~$68,000.
As of 1/13/25, the price of Bitcoin has appreciated by +39.7% to ~$95,000 per coin. During the same period of time, BTCI's total return was +31.5% — capturing nearly ~80% of Bitcoin's total return while paying their investors monthly income.
Since inception, the fund has paid investors $4.00 in cash distributions. $1.13 per share in October, $1.41 per share in November, and $1.46 per share in December. Assuming you purchased shares of BTCI at $50 / share — that's an 8% yield paid to investors in only 3-months time.
As of its most recent $1.46 per share distribution in December, the fund is offering investors a 28% annual yield — while simultaneously giving investors the opportunity to realize Bitcoin's price appreciation. The price of BTCI has already appreciated by +20% since inception in October.
As an income-focused investor, this ETF is exceeding expectations. If you're someone who's a bit intimidated by Bitcoin volatility, having that monthly income certainly helps. For example, the total return of BTCI during the month of December was -2.4%, compared to the total return of the price of Bitcoin being -4.3% — a +1.9% difference.
If you can stomach Bitcoin's volatility, more power to you!
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where BTCI Might Fit Inside of Your Income-Focused Portfolio</h2>
Being an income-focused investor has its perks — the names we usually hold inside of our portfolios tend to have resilience during market downturns, we get paid tax-efficient cash on a monthly / quarterly basis, and dividend growth stocks tend to outperform benchmark indices over a long enough time horizon.
However, this investment strategy also has its drawbacks — including the lack of high-octane investment opportunities.
With that being said, I'd argue two things are true:
<ol>
<li>Being an income-focused investor doesn't have to be boring. There are plenty of tax-efficient covered call ETFs that closely track the total performance of the S&amp;P 500, Nasdaq-100, and Russell 2000 — specifically SPYI, QQQI, and IWMI — that offer double-digit annual distribution yields and upside price potential in rising markets.</li>
<li>Everyone should allocate 5-15% of their investment portfolio to Bitcoin, as this asset class over the last 15-years has proven to outperform the stock market over a long enough time horizon.</li>
</ol>
Now that the team over at NEOS has introduced a covered call Bitcoin ETF whose strategy both offers high monthly income and price appreciation in rising markets, there's no excuse to stay on the sidelines.
Personally, I've been a Bitcoin investor since 2017.
Now as I shift my focus away from high-octane opportunities and instead toward income-focused ideas — BTCI is how I will continue to have a ~10% allocation to the evolving asset class throughout my wealth building journey.
In my opinion, it's the best of both worlds.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice or recommendation for any investment. The content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BTCI, SPYI, QQQI, and IWMI either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor.

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

Cryptocurrency

Specialty ETFs

NEOS ETF Trust NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF

BTCI

BTCI: Unlocking Bitcoin's 28% Annual Distribution Yield

WIIM

TSLA

Tesla shares are trading higher. The stock may be rising ahead of President-elect Trump's upcoming inauguration.

Mastercard Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) stock is trading higher by 4.7% to $524.98 this week following the release of December inflation data, as signs of cooling underlying price pressures <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43003047/stocks-rise-on-core-inflation-slowdown-banks-rally-after-strong-q4-earnings-treasury-yields-plummet">raised hopes</a> of Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025. 
What To Know: Core inflation increased slightly below expectations, reinforcing optimism that tighter monetary policy may ease sooner than anticipated. For Mastercard, this shift is particularly favorable, as its business model thrives on consumer and business spending, which historically accelerates in a low-interest-rate environment.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43046030/five-emerging-economies-poised-for-5-growth-in-2025">Five Emerging Economies Poised For 5% Growth In 2025: Should You Buy These ETFs?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43001512/inflation-rises-to-29-in-december-core-slows-yet-rising-energy-costs-put-feds-target-at-risk">Lower rates</a> reduce borrowing costs, making credit more accessible to consumers and businesses. This dynamic directly supports higher transaction volumes, which form the backbone of Mastercard's revenue. 
Mastercard also stands to gain from increased cross-border activity, a high-margin segment of its business that benefits from heightened global travel and trade when economic conditions improve. 
Additionally, businesses may expand their payment technology infrastructure during periods of economic growth, potentially boosting Mastercard&#8217;s ecosystem of services.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43055426/oil-dips-as-israeli-security-cabinet-approves-gaza-ceasefire-yet-experts-warn-red-sea-risks-persist">Oil Dips As Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire, Yet Experts Warn Red Sea Risks Persist</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy MA Stock</h2>
Besides going to a brokerage platform to purchase a share &#8211; or fractional share &#8211; of stock, you can also gain access to shares either by buying an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds the stock itself, or by allocating yourself to a strategy in your 401(k) that would seek to acquire shares in a mutual fund or other instrument. 
For example, in Mastercard&#8217;s case, it is in the Financials sector. An ETF will likely hold shares in many liquid and large companies that help track that sector, allowing an investor to gain exposure to the trends within that segment.
According to data from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, MA has a 52-week high of $537.70 and a 52-week low of $427.45.

Why Mastercard Shares Are Trading Higher This Week

A recent analyst note from Bank of America outlines a mixed outlook for the U.S. airline industry in 2025, emphasizing strong performance from network carriers and challenges for leisure-focused <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/airlines">airlines</a>.
What To Know: Lead analyst Andrew Didora says Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) leads the pack with robust revenue growth, fueled by corporate travel, premium offerings and Atlantic route expansion. Its Buy rating is reaffirmed with an unchanged price target of $78.
United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) also holds a Buy rating, supported by similar trends, with a price target of $120.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43031980/big-banks-continue-to-beat-q4-earnings-financial-etf-takes-breather">Big Banks Continue To Beat Q4 Earnings As Financial ETF Takes A Breather</a>
American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>) has been upgraded to Neutral and its price target has been raised from $12 to $20. BofA says the airline stands to benefit from Delta-driven industry trends, including premium revenue growth and recovery in corporate travel. BofA also notes the potential to recapture $1.5 billion in market share lost in 2024, though execution risks temper expectations.
Conversely, Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) and JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBLU#NASDAQ">JBLU</a>) face downgrades to Underperform. Southwest's price target is lowered from $33 to $31, reflecting challenges in adapting to post-COVID-19 pandemic industry dynamics, including competition from premium and corporate-focused carriers.
JetBlue's price target remains at $6.50 despite limited capacity growth and higher costs, compounded by a tough comparison to 2024's early Easter holiday.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-beats/25/01/43058636/target-analysts-weigh-in-on-holiday-gains-sales-momentum">Target Analysts Weigh In On Holiday Gains, Sales Momentum</a>
Alaska Air Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALK#NYSE">ALK</a>), rated Buy, sees its price target raised to $80 from $70 by BofA, bolstered by opportunities from its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition.
Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALGT#NASDAQ">ALGT</a>) also benefits from a price target increase, climbing from $54 to $95, although concerns about pilot contracts and rising fuel costs persist. 
Frontier Group Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>), rated Neutral, has its price target adjusted upward from $7.50 to $9 due to slightly higher earnings forecasts.
What Else: While rising jet fuel prices, up 8% year-to-date, weigh on the sector, network carriers like Delta, United and American remain better positioned. BofA expects these airlines to outperform in 2025, leveraging premium revenues and international routes to navigate cost pressures.
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43017875/southwest-airlines-is-sued-by-department-of-transportation-over-chronically-delayed-flights">Southwest Airlines Is Sued By Department Of Transportation Over &#8216;Chronically Delayed&#8217; Flights</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Upgrades

Downgrades

Price Target

Reiteration

Travel

Analyst Ratings

ALGT

JBLU

ULCC

Bank Of America: Delta, United To Lead Airline Industry In 2025

Qorvo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QRVO#NASDAQ">QRVO</a>) stock is moving higher on Friday following a Wall Street Journal report revealing that activist investor Starboard Value has acquired a 7.7% stake <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43048211/qorvo-soars-7-after-hours-as-activist-investor-starboard-reportedly-takes-stake-in-semiconductor-company">in the company</a>.
The Details: The <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/starboard-builds-big-stake-in-chip-maker-qorvo-7a18a71f">report</a> values the stake at about $500 million. Since the report, Qorvo has filed a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission, confirming the activist investor's investment in the company.
Qorvo&#8217;s stock has struggled in recent months, sliding 22.15% over the past three months. The chipmaker has faced strong competition from competitors such as Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>).
The company&#8217;s latest investor, Starboard Value, has remained active in the semiconductor sector, with past investments in companies like NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), highlighting a potential strategic focus that may extend to Qorvo.
Qorvo&#8217;s stock suffered in late October after the company issued third-quarter guidance that fell below analyst estimates. It projected adjusted earnings per share between $1.10 and $1.30, versus analyst estimates of $1.92, and revenue between $875 million and $925 million, versus analyst estimates of $1.05 billion.
The company is set to release third-quarter earnings on Jan. 28 after the market closes. Qorvo will host a conference call to review its earnings at 4:30 p.m. EST that same day.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/short-sellers/25/01/43056477/how-is-the-market-feeling-about-boeing">How Is The Market Feeling About Boeing?</a>
QRVO Price Action: At the time of writing Qorvo stock is trading 11.6% higher at $81.86, according to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: via Unsplash

Movers

AVGO

MRVL

NVDA

QRVO

What's Going On With Qorvo Shares Friday?

Raymond James analyst Justin Jenkins maintains Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $175 to $180.

Raymond James Maintains Outperform on Chevron, Raises Price Target to $180

Raymond James analyst Justin Jenkins maintains BP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $36 to $37.

Raymond James Maintains Outperform on BP, Raises Price Target to $37

<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="586" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16084402/60-40--1024x586.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4711" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16084402/60-40--1024x586.jpg 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16084402/60-40--300x172.jpg 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16084402/60-40--768x440.jpg 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16084402/60-40-.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The End Of The 60/40 Portfolio&nbsp;</h2>
For years, a common investing approach was the 60/40 portfolio: 60% in stocks, and 40% in bonds. The idea behind it was simple: bonds were expected to outperform when stocks underperformed, and vice-versa. But as Tatiana Darie of Bloomberg pointed out yesterday (&#8220;<a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/shifting-correlations-unleash-market-havoc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Shifting Correlations Unleash Market Havoc</a>&#8220;), that is no longer the case:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">Whether&nbsp;good&nbsp;or bad, shifting correlations are poised to wreak havoc on cross-asset strategies, and hedging assumptions will likely need to change. In the current environment, bonds are no longer proving to be a shield from stock losses.&nbsp;Jim Bianco&nbsp;of Bianco Research says the reason to hold bonds is changing, calling the days of the 60/40 portfolio&nbsp;"over."
It also means that trading might require a more creative and active approach that goes beyond traditional (and stale) assumptions.
</blockquote>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moving Beyond Traditional (And Stale) Assumptions</h2>
As it happens, we developed an approach that moves beyond traditional assumptions. Specifically, it moves beyond the assumption that asset allocation is useful at all. The 60/40 portfolio, and other forms of asset allocation, deliberately put you in asset classes expected to perform badly. Why not put your money in assets you expect will do well? If you&#8217;re worried about downside risk, you can hedge with options. That&#8217;s essentially our approach, <a href="https://portfolioarmor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Hedged Portfolio Method</a>. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Hedged Portfolio Method&nbsp;</h2>
Here&#8217;s how our method works, in a nutshell:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Our system estimates 6-month returns for each security with options traded on it in the U.S. In addition to stocks, this universe of securities includes bond and commodity ETFs and even inverse ETFs. Our system is completely agnostic when it comes to asset class.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Next, our system finds optimal hedges for each security, and calculates their cost.&nbsp;</li>
<li>We subtract the hedging costs in 2. from the estimated returns in 1. and rank the securities by expected return, net of hedging cost.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The names that come to the top of the list in 3. are our top names. We buy and hedge a handful of them.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
There are some additional steps, such as using a tightly collared &#8220;cash substitute&#8221; to minimize cash and boost returns, but that&#8217;s the gist of it.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Precisely Limiting Your Risk</h2>
One advantage of our approach is that you can precisely limit your risk. Don&#8217;t want to risk a decline of more than 17% over the next 6 months? Our system will hedge it so you don&#8217;t. Much different from putting 40% of your money in bonds and hoping for the best.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Real World Example&nbsp;</h2>
Here&#8217;s a portfolio our system created for an investor in July of last year. This was for an investor unwilling to risk a decline of more than 20% over the next 6 months. This one included&nbsp;American Superconductor Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMSC#NASDAQ">AMSC</a>),&nbsp;Abercrombie &amp; Fitch Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANF#NYSE">ANF</a>),&nbsp;Constellation Energy Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>),&nbsp;Dell Technologies, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>),&nbsp;Navios Maritime Partners LP&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NMM#NYSE">NMM</a>),&nbsp;Natera, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTRA#NASDAQ">NTRA</a>), and&nbsp;Powell Industries, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POWL#NASDAQ">POWL</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="776" height="717" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085209/1-Portfolio.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4712" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085209/1-Portfolio.jpg 776w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085209/1-Portfolio-300x277.jpg 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085209/1-Portfolio-768x710.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 776px) 100vw, 776px" /></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="778" height="598" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085242/2-Portfolio.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4713" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085242/2-Portfolio.jpg 778w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085242/2-Portfolio-300x231.jpg 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085242/2-Portfolio-768x590.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 778px) 100vw, 778px" /></figure>
Here is how that portfolio performed over the next six months:&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="623" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085327/Tracked-Portfolio-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4714" style="width:800px;height:auto" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085327/Tracked-Portfolio-1.jpg 800w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085327/Tracked-Portfolio-1-300x234.jpg 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085327/Tracked-Portfolio-1-768x598.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="319" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085411/Tracked-Portfolio-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4715" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085411/Tracked-Portfolio-2.jpg 800w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085411/Tracked-Portfolio-2-300x120.jpg 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085411/Tracked-Portfolio-2-768x306.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
You can find an interactive version of that chart&nbsp;<a href="https://portfolioarmor.com/front_tests/5837">here</a>. And you can see how hundreds of other hedged portfolios have done&nbsp;<a href="https://portfolioarmor.com/performance-tracking-portfolios">here</a>.&nbsp;
If you&#8217;d like to stay in touch
You can scan for optimal hedges for individual securities, find our current top ten names, and create hedged portfolios on <a href="https://portfolioarmor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">our website</a>. You can also follow Portfolio Armor on X <a href="https://twitter.com/portfolioarmor">here</a>, or become a free subscriber to <a href="https://portfolioarmor.substack.com/">our trading Substack</a> using the link below (we&#8217;re using that for our occasional emails now).
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://portfolioarmor.substack.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="602" height="418" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085726/Widget-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4716" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085726/Widget-5.jpg 602w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16085726/Widget-5-300x208.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /></a></figure>

Personal Finance

AMSC

DELL

NTRA

POWL

The End Of The 60/40 Portfolio

Raymond James analyst Justin Jenkins maintains Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPC#NYSE">MPC</a>) with a Strong Buy and raises the price target from $190 to $192.

Raymond James Maintains Strong Buy on Marathon Petroleum, Raises Price Target to $192

Raymond James analyst Simon Leopold maintains Nutanix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTNX#NASDAQ">NTNX</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $83 to $76.

NTNX

Raymond James Maintains Outperform on Nutanix, Lowers Price Target to $76

On a recent episode of The Ramsey Show, hosts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42935299/theyve-turned-into-socialists-caller-tells-dave-ramsey-shes-giving-up-on-her-daughters-after-spending-over-500000-on-their-college">Dr. John Delony</a> and Jade Warshaw addressed a single mom&#8217;s dilemma about saving for her daughters' college education. Sarah, a caller from Seattle, shared that her lawyer advised her to use brokerage accounts instead of traditional college savings plans like 529 plans. This advice aimed to prevent her ex-husband from minimizing his financial contributions in the future.
Sarah explained that during a child support recalculation, her lawyer suggested that brokerage accounts could offer more flexibility. The reasoning was that if Sarah saved for college using traditional funds, her ex might argue that he should pay less since she had already covered a significant portion. By keeping the funds in brokerage accounts, Sarah could technically argue that the money wasn't explicitly earmarked for college.
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Dr. John Delony acknowledged the logic of the lawyer's suggestion but expressed concerns about the ethical implications. "Your attorney's exactly right. That could happen," he said, referring to the possibility of the ex-husband leveraging Sarah's savings to reduce his contributions. However, Delony cautioned against taking steps that could compromise her integrity, even if they seemed legally strategic.
"I hesitate to suggest that you also become a person who … is not full integrous and comes up with alternative ways to hold and shield money to put you in a better argumentative position in case something might happen 15 years from now," Delony said. He emphasized the importance of modeling ethical behavior for Sarah's daughters, suggesting that doing the "right thing" could be more impactful than the financial advantages of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42420115/nondisclosure-is-lying-says-dave-ramsey-advising-couples-to-fully-disclose-finances-before-tying-the-knot">hiding money</a>.
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Warshaw echoed Delony's concerns, saying, "It feels a little bit dishonest … It's like you're trying to show that I don't really have this money if, in fact, I really did." Warshaw pointed out that Sarah's reasoning should focus on what's best for her daughters' future, not just on shielding funds from her ex.
Warshaw added that the advice might differ if Sarah had purely wanted to discuss the pros and cons of a 529 plan versus a brokerage account. "If you were worried that you didn't want to save up too much in the 529 because they might not go to school, we could talk about that all day," Warshaw said.
Delony encouraged Sarah to consider the long-term lessons her actions would teach her children. He shared his perspective on maintaining integrity, even in challenging situations. "Your daughters are gonna get a ringside seat to what it&#8217;s like watching their mother scratch and claw and do the next right thing always," Delony said. He suggested that this example of perseverance and honesty could be just as valuable as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42932626/billionaire-mark-cuban-on-college-costs-pick-the-cheapest-school-you-can-find-its-about-learning-not-prestige">college education</a>.
Trending: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a>
While brokerage accounts offer flexibility and avoid restrictions tied to 529 plans, Delony and Warshaw urged Sarah to prioritize transparency and ethical decision-making. Both hosts emphasized that the choice is deeply personal and should align with Sarah's values and goals for her family.
For parents in similar situations, weighing the financial benefits of various savings options against the potential impact on family dynamics and personal values is essential. Consulting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can also provide tailored guidance to navigate the financial implications of these complex decisions.
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<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a></li>
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College Fund Or Brokerage Account For Kids' Schooling? Ramsey Show Hosts Weigh In On Lawyer's 'Sketchy' Advice For Single Mom

D.R. Horton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHI#NYSE">DHI</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 6.65% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 18.62%. Currently, D.R. Horton has a market capitalization of $47.29 billion. 
Buying $100 In DHI: If an investor had bought $100 of DHI stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $1,314.69 today based on a price of $147.25 for DHI at the time of writing.
<h3>D.R. Horton's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737132308_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning D.R. Horton Stock In The Last 15 Years

Raymond James analyst RJ Milligan maintains Netstreit (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTST#NYSE">NTST</a>) with a Strong Buy and lowers the price target from $19 to $17.

NTST

Raymond James Maintains Strong Buy on Netstreit, Lowers Price Target to $17

LRCX

Lam Research shares are trading higher after Keybanc upgraded the stock from Sector Weight to Overweight.

<a href="https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/german-voters-head-to-polls-to-tackle?r=3nmatg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German voters will head to the polls </a>next month as Europe&#8217;s largest economy confronts immigration challenges, economic stagnation and the Ukraine war.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's so-called<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ecfr.eu/article/the-merz-doctrine-what-a-cdu-led-government-would-mean-for-german-foreign-policy/"> "traffic light"</a> coalition collapsed in late 2024, triggered by disagreements about economic policy and debt management. Economic growth and debt limits will be top priorities for the parties that win the election on February 23.
Scholz, seeking reelection for the Social Democrat Party (SPD), faces an uphill battle against Friedrich Merz, whose Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) lead in the polls. No political party is expected to secure a majority in the vote.
"Germany is hurtling towards an unexpected election," Mikaela Lui wrote for the Sydney-based <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/foreign-policy-challenges-loom-germany-s-election?form=MG0AV3">Lowy Institute </a>on Wednesday. "Immigration is the major battleground but with a war in Europe and political challenges across the Atlantic, the February poll has sharp consequences. How the major parties…plan to tackle these issues sheds light on the broad geopolitical outlook and Germany's role in it for 2025 and beyond."
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff394141-526e-4441-9d70-18cf6494d22f_727x442.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff394141-526e-4441-9d70-18cf6494d22f_727x442.png" alt="" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voting intentions for German parliament Oct, 2021 to Jan, 2025, Source:<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1257178/voting-intention-in-germany/"> Statista</a></figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Greens, AfD Provide German Voters with Different Agendas</h2>
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens and Alice Weidel of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) present contrasting visions. While the Greens focus on infrastructure and housing problems, Weidel wants to reverse climate-friendly policies and severely reduce migration.
Sahra Wagenknecht's newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which split from The Left, has emerged as a wildcard. This is particularly true in eastern Germany, where left-conservative policies favor limiting migration. However, Wagenknecht seeks to maintain social welfare.
At the same time, the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), led by the former Finance Minister Christian Lindner, faces dwindling support, raising questions about its influence in the next Bundestag.
German voters head to the polls as the country faces strong headwinds. The <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/imf-lifts-2025-world-growth-forecast-to-3-3-on-strong-u-s-economy/ar-AA1xnoTt?ocid=BingNewsVerp">International Monetary Fund</a> cut its outlook for German economic growth to just 0.3% in 2025, the<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://x.com/Schuldensuehner/status/1880258008338571339"> lowest of among the world's 30</a> leading economies.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Immigration Is Most Important Issue for German Voters</h2>
For voters, though, immigration is the <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dw.com/en/german-election-immigration-and-the-economy-top-the-list-of-concerns/a-71265549">most pressing problem</a>, according to polls. As many as 37% of people recently polled by broadcaster Deutsche Welle pointed to immigration as their most pressing concern, followed by the economy and foreign policy.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff88e0947-cd4a-4c25-bc68-e4bd73e7802c_1236x723.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff88e0947-cd4a-4c25-bc68-e4bd73e7802c_1236x723.png" alt="" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Polls regarding ongoing issues, month-over-month comparison, Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dw.com/en/german-election-immigration-and-the-economy-top-the-list-of-concerns/a-71265549">DW</a></figcaption></figure>
The SPD and Greens have argued for a more balanced immigration approach, including fair asylum distribution across Europe. Public dissatisfaction with current policies has fueled support for Weidel's AfD, which campaigns on anti-immigration platforms.
Weidel, often compared to Italy's Giorgia Meloni or France's Marine Le Pen, has supported the remigration of some migrants. <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/musk-supports-far-right-afd-as-remedy">Tech billionaire Elon Musk</a> backed Weidel on January 9 as the candidate people "really need to get behind."
"If it&#8217;s going to be called remigration, then that&#8217;s what it&#8217;s going to be: remigration,&#8221; she <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62q937y029o">said</a> during a public speech in Riesa on January 11.
Meanwhile, the poll-leading CDU/CSU has supported a <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/17/german-election-cdu-manifesto-proposes-rightward-shift-on-migration-and-strong-support-for">tighter asylum policy</a> and a virtual freeze on asylum admissions at the border. This approach would be difficult to implement due to the Geneva Convention, which <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2015/569051/EPRS_ATA(2015)569051_EN.pdf">requires examining asylum applicants</a> once they're on European soil. The parties have also proposed abolishing subsidiary protection for asylum seekers.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lethargic Economic Growth Needs Turnaround</h2>
Potential trade tensions with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets have also weighed on the German economy. Bundesbank predicts 2025 growth to settle at a mere 0.2%, although Trump's tariffs risk further contraction.
To turn the economy around, Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU has proposed tax cuts and incentives to stimulate private investment. Scholz's SPD advocates for public-private initiatives like a "Germany fund" to finance infrastructure and green energy projects.
Meanwhile, the Greens push wealth redistribution to fund education and sustainability efforts. Weidel <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/musk-supports-far-right-afd-as-remedy">has expressed</a> AfD's commitment to increase energy supply diversification to spur economic growth.
Respondents in DW's poll overwhelmingly favored the introduction of tax-free bonuses for overtime labor (78%) and hiking the minimum wage to €15 per hour (67%). One in two respondents favor subsidies for the purchase of German-made electric vehicles.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Automotive Stabilization, Residential Construction Weakness</h2>
Germany's automotive industry, which employs almost <a href="https://www.ceicdata.com/en/germany/auto-industry-statistics/auto-industry-no-of-employees-average#:~:text=Germany%20Auto%20Industry%3A%20Number%20of%20Employees%3A%20Average%20data%20was%20reported,of%20460%2C632.000%20Person%20for%202022." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">half a million workers</a>, may help stabilize the economy. Volkswagen <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cje9kv3q94po" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reached an agreement</a> with its IG Metall union, avoiding job cuts and diffusing unrest across the country ahead of the election.
The largest global car manufacturer by volume won't close any of its 10 domestic production plants, guaranteeing its workers jobs until the end of 2030. In exchange, the union will forfeit a wage increase until 2031.
"No site will be closed, no one will be made redundant and our company wage agreement will be secured for the long term," Daniela Cavallo, the head of the works council, said.
Still, one of the persisting issues for wages in the construction sector. The latest Ifo Institute report found that 53.6% of residential construction companies see a lack of orders.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fabd3d5f3-f255-40b5-9ce5-4f98db39b063_751x398.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fabd3d5f3-f255-40b5-9ce5-4f98db39b063_751x398.jpeg" alt="" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">German IFO Orders, Source: Eleva Capital &amp; Bloomberg</figcaption></figure>
"The structural problems in residential construction still remain," <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ifo.de/en/facts/2025-01-10/residential-construction-germany-still-short-orders">said</a> Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys. "The new German government faces major challenges in creating urgently needed living space."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">German Voters Oppose Reviving Economic Ties with Russia</h2>
Germany's role in the Ukraine conflict is another defining issue. Polls have shown that 61% of the people <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dw.com/en/german-election-immigration-and-the-economy-top-the-list-of-concerns/a-71265549">oppose reviving German-Russian economic relations</a> and lifting sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.
As Europe's leading military supporter of Ukraine, Germany has faced praise and criticism for its cautious approach under Scholz. While the US, the UK, and France have supplied similar longer-range weapons, Scholz <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-campaign-germany-election-long-range-missiles-war-in-ukraine/">refused to supply</a> Taurus cruise missiles.
Still, the CDU/CSU and Greens advocate a more proactive stance, including deeper cooperation with NATO allies. &#8220;Ukraine also defends us,&#8221; their manifesto reads. &#8220;If Ukraine falls, there is the threat of an attack on another EU country.&#8221;
Merz publicly declared a willingness to supply missiles, but only in consultation with European NATO partners.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AfD Shows German Voters Dissatisfaction with Parties</h2>
The rise of AfD has demonstrated voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties. A historic success of the far-right Freedom Party in Austria leaves the AfD party leadership optimistic ahead of February.
"It is part of a tectonic shift in western democracies," Andreas Rödder, a historian at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ft.com/content/221911c1-bca0-4bfe-aa99-5950033bd31c">said</a>. "The pendulum is moving towards the right and this is what the AfD has connected itself to."
However, it is going to be difficult for AfD to form a coalition if it wins. The Guardian recently examined coalition possibilities, noting that two major center-left and center-right parties have already formed coalitions.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F35f50401-0679-4b7e-b04c-c26b73a34f2b_1049x800.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F35f50401-0679-4b7e-b04c-c26b73a34f2b_1049x800.png" alt="" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Four different coalition scenarios, Source: TheGuardian</figcaption></figure>
The CDU/CSU's lead suggests a likely return to conservatism, but partnerships with either the SPD or Greens may require compromises on key issues like taxation and climate policy. Yet, if Scholz's SPD defies expectations, another progressive coalition may take shape.
Disclaimer:
Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. European Capital Insights is not responsible for any financial decisions made based on the contents of this article. Readers may use this article for information and educational purposes only.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content&nbsp;or&nbsp;accuracy.

Eurozone

German Voters Head to Polls to Tackle Immigration, Economic Stagnation

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World Economy
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43055426/oil-dips-as-israeli-security-cabinet-approves-gaza-ceasefire-yet-experts-warn-red-sea-risks-persist">Oil Dips As Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire, Yet Experts Warn Red Sea Risks Persist</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43051751/asia-markets-mixed-europe-advances-crude-oil-edges-higher-gold-dips-global-markets-today-while-us-slept">Asia Markets Mixed, Europe Advances, Natural Gas Dips &#8211; Global Markets Today While US Slept</a></li>
</ul>
Tech
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43055489/this-semtech-analyst-begins-coverage-on-a-bullish-note-here-are-top-5-initiations-for-friday">This Semtech Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 5 Initiations For Friday</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43054997/why-parazero-stock-is-gaining-today">Why ParaZero Stock Is Gaining Today</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43054693/magnificent-7-earnings-hinge-on-ai-payoff-analyst-flags-top-risks">Magnificent 7 Earnings Hinge On AI Payoff: Analyst Flags Top Risks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43054648/wipro-q3-earnings-24-5-profit-jump-it-services-margins-hit-12-quarter-high-boosts-interim-dividend-payout-to-70">Wipro Q3 Earnings: 24.5% Profit Jump, IT Services Margins Hit 12-Quarter High, Boosts Interim Dividend Payout to 70%</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43054383/amazon-lays-off-200-jobs-in-fashion-and-fitness-division-amid-nationwide-restructuring">Amazon Lays Off 200 Jobs In Fashion And Fitness Division Amid Nationwide Restructuring</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43053982/taiwan-semiconductor-chief-calls-us-semiconductor-sanctions-manageable-to-skip-trump-inauguration">Taiwan Semi Chief To Skip Trump Inauguration, Calls US Semiconductor Sanctions &#8216;Manageable&#8217;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43053670/why-versus-systems-stock-are-rocketing-over-90-premarket-on-friday">Why Is Versus Systems Stock Rocketing Today</a>?</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43052999/quantum-computing-stock-drops-over-3-during-friday-premarket-amid-fraud-allegations">Quantum Computing Stock Drops Over 3% During Friday Premarket Amid Fraud Allegations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/25/01/43051841/nintendo-shares-drop-5-on-tokyo-exchange-after-switch-2-announcement">Nintendo Switch 2 Fails To Stir Excitement In Investors, Gaming Giant&#8217;s Shares Drop 5% In Tokyo</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43048211/qorvo-soars-7-after-hours-as-activist-investor-starboard-reportedly-takes-stake-in-semiconductor-company">Qorvo Soars 7% After Hours As Activist Investor Starboard Reportedly Takes Stake In Semiconductor Company</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/01/43047721/apple-cfo-denies-claims-of-75-profit-margins-on-app-store-i-wouldnt-say-theyre-accurate">Apple CFO Denies Claims Of 75% Profit Margins On App Store: &#8216;I Wouldn&#8217;t Say They&#8217;re Accurate</a></li>
</ul>
Electric Vehicle
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/43054613/whats-going-on-with-chinese-ev-maker-nio-stock-today">What&#8217;s Going On With Chinese EV Maker NIO Stock Today?</a></li>
<li><a href="Rivian%20Shares%20Surge%20Over%204%25%20In%20Friday%20Pre-Market%20Following%20$6.6%20Billion%20DOE%20Loan%20Agreement">Rivian Shares Surge Over 4% In Friday Pre-Market Following $6.6 Billion DOE Loan Agreement</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43050342/elon-musk-denies-teslas-involvement-in-fire-at-moss-landing-power-plant-in-monterey-county">Elon Musk Denies Tesla&#8217;s Involvement In Fire At Moss Landing Power Plant In Monterey County</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43049866/rivians-electric-vans-to-be-sold-to-non-amazon-customers-from-february-report">Rivian&#8217;s Electric Vans To Be Sold To Non-Amazon Customers From February: Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43048579/tesla-extends-free-lifetime-supercharging-offer-on-foundation-series-cybertruck-till-jan-end">Tesla Extends Free Lifetime Supercharging Offer On Foundation Series Cybertruck Till Jan End</a></li>
</ul>
Consumer
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/01/43053453/target-customers-just-looking-for-deals-stock-flashes-bearish-warnings-as-eps-guidance-unchanged-despite-record-holiday-sales">Target Customers Just Looking For Deals? Stock Flashes Bearish Warnings As EPS Guidance Unchanged Despite Record Holiday Sales</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43051842/ftc-bans-general-motors-from-sharing-driver-data-following-allegations-that-it-sold-sensitive-consumer-information">FTC Bans General Motors From Sharing Driver Data Following Allegations That It Sold Sensitive Consumer Information</a></li>
</ul>
Communication
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/01/43054401/duolingos-ai-powered-china-surge-impresses-bullish-analyst">Duolingo&#8217;s AI-Powered China Surge Impresses Bullish Analy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43052360/sony-cancels-two-live-service-games-stays-committed-to-long-term-monetization">Sony Cancels Two Live-Service Games, Stays Committed to Long-Term Monetization</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43050469/tesla-bull-ross-gerber-demands-tiktok-ban-calling-it-a-national-security-risk-amid-reports-that-elon-musk-may-buy-it">Tesla Bull Ross Gerber Demands TikTok Ban Calling It A &#8216;National Security Risk&#8217; Amid Reports That Elon Musk May Buy It</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43049496/as-tiktok-faces-us-ban-vpn-searches-skyrocket-800-will-workarounds-work-experts-weigh-in">As TikTok Faces US Ban, VPN Searches Skyrocket 800%: Will Workarounds Work? Experts Weigh In</a></li>
</ul>
Industrial
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43054975/this-american-airlines-analyst-is-no-longer-bearish-here-are-top-5-upgrades-for-friday">This American Airlines Analyst Is No Longer Bearish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Friday</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43054271/boeings-777x-takes-to-the-skies-again-after-grounding-over-engine-issue-report">Boeing Restarts 777X Testing After Grounding Over Engine Issue: Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43049428/tesla-says-it-is-working-on-a-more-comprehensive-cleaning-solution-for-cybertruck-rear-view-camera">Tesla Says It Is Working On A &#8216;More Comprehensive Cleaning Solution&#8217; For Cybertruck Rear View Camera</a></li>
</ul>
Healthcare
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43054519/zyn-nicotine-pouches-receive-fda-marketing-approval">ZYN Nicotine Pouches Receive FDA Marketing Approval</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43053632/fda-approves-expanded-use-of-eli-lillys-ulcerative-colitis-drug-for-crohns-disease">FDA Approves Expanded Use Of Eli Lilly&#8217;s Ulcerative Colitis Drug For Crohn&#8217;s Disease</a></li>
</ul>
Space
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43052113/bezos-musk-extend-cordial-support-despite-building-rivalry-between-their-rocket-companies">Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk Extend Cordial Support Despite Building Rivalry Between Their Rocket Companies</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/01/43049377/spacex-starship-mishap-diverts-dozens-of-flights-as-faa-warns-of-falling-debris">SpaceX Starship Mishap Diverts Dozens Of Flights As FAA Warns Of Falling Debris</a></li>
</ul>
Energy
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43055401/schlumberger-posts-strong-q4-results-raises-dividend-and-buybacks-championx-deal-to-strengthen-future-growth">Schlumberger Q4: Earnings Beat, Dividend Boost, Offshore Boom And More</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/01/43053046/lundin-mining-caps-record-2024-with-transformative-growth">Lundin Mining Caps Record 2024 with &#8216;Transformative&#8217; Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Gaston Cerliani on Shutterstock

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Bitcoin Miners Consolidate With 12 Firms Controlling 30% Of Hash Rate; Rivian Shares Rise After $6.6B DOE Loan; SpaceX Starship Mishap Disrupts Flights As FAA Warns Of Debris – Top Headlines While The U.S. Slept

Stifel analyst Chris O'Cull maintains Shake Shack (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHAK#NYSE">SHAK</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $128 to $110.

SHAK

Stifel Maintains Hold on Shake Shack, Lowers Price Target to $110

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-01-17_07h28_15-scaled.jpg" alt="" /></figure>
To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.&nbsp;
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Five Factors Leading Stocks Higher</h4>
An enlarged chart of SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) which represents the benchmark stock market index S&amp;P 500 (SPX).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>The chart shows that the market is now above the breakout line but below the micro resistance zone.</li>
<li>The chart shows there is buying in the early trade.</li>
<li>Bulls are buying aggressively in an attempt to break above the micro resistance zone.</li>
<li>The buying in the early trade is being driven by the following five factors:
<ul>
<li>Bonds are leading stocks higher.&nbsp; Bonds are moving higher due to negative positioning.</li>
<li>President Trump plans to make cryptos a national priority with an executive order.&nbsp; As a result, there is aggressive buying in cryptos.&nbsp; Buying in cryptos almost always leads to buying in speculative and junk stocks, and often tech stocks.&nbsp; This is exactly what is happening in the early trade today.</li>
<li>Monthly options expire today.&nbsp; Option expiration appears to be to the buy side.</li>
<li>Wall Street is making new bets on a Fed rate cut on January 29th.</li>
<li>There was concern that China would not meet its GDP target.&nbsp; There is a relief rally based on China Q4 GDP coming in line with expectations.&nbsp; Here is the data:
<ul>
<li>Q4 came in at 1.6% vs 1.6% consensus</li>
<li>For 2024 GDP came in at 5.0% vs 5.0% consensus</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Not helping the bulls is the market waking up to Apple's China problem.&nbsp; Yesterday, Apple experienced significant selling as the market woke up to the fact that Apple was losing market share in China.&nbsp; However, as an Arora Report reader, you knew in advance this was happening from our writings as early as Q3 of 2024.&nbsp; In the Morning Capsule of January 3, 2025 we wrote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">Apple&#8217;s (AAPL) iPhones are on the decline in China.&nbsp; Non-Chinese phone sales in China fell by 47.4% in November, making it the fourth month in a row of year-over-year decline.&nbsp; Apple is attempting to compete with Chinese phones like Huawei and reverse the declining trend with discounts up to $68.50 on the iPhone in China.
</blockquote>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Housing</h4>
Housing starts remain strong as builders subsidize mortgage rates.&nbsp; Here is the latest data:
<ul>
<li>Housing starts came in at 1.499M vs 1.381M consensus</li>
<li>Building permits came in at 1.483M vs 1.454M consensus</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h4>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Apple Inc, Amazon.com, Inc., Alphabet Inc Class C, Meta Platforms Inc, Microsoft Corp, NVIDIA Corp, and Tesla Inc.
In the early trade, money flows are positive in S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY) and in Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h4>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust.  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust.  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h4>
Bitcoin is seeing aggressive buying on President Trump's plan to make crypto a national priority.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h4>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.&nbsp; The proprietary protection band from The Arora Report is very popular.&nbsp; The protection band puts all of the data, all of the indicators, all of the news, all of the crosscurrents, all of the models, and all of the analysis in an analytical framework that is easily actionable by investors.&nbsp;
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h4>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

Stock Buying On Trump Plan To Make Crypto A National Priority, Option Expiration, New Fed Bets And China GDP

<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/inauguration-moving-indoors-cold-weather/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/inauguration-moving-indoors-cold-weather/index.html</a>
&nbsp;
 President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration is expected to be moved indoors Monday due to dangerously cold temperatures projected in the nation's capital, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the plans told CNN.
Plans are underway to have Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance sworn into office inside the US Capitol Rotunda, the sources said. Discussions regarding where to hold the inaugural parade and other celebrations are still underway. However, Trump's team has been in talks to potentially hold some of the festivities at the Capitol One arena, where Trump will host a rally on Sunday.

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