$AAPL - $AAPL

Dernières nouvelles pour Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Stock

Apple

Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.

Apple Inc

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reviewing its movie strategy, part of a turnaround strategy by its Hollywood studio leaders, Zack Van Amburg&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jamie Erlicht, to contain costs.
Apple plans to produce a dozen movies annually, most of which will cost less than $100 million, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-27/apple-movies-won-t-be-coming-to-theaters-anytime-soon?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> familiar sources.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/03/37558754/apples-1b-gamble-on-3-blockbusters-analyzing-box-office-results-streaming-impact-and-oscar-nominatio" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reportedly, Apple spent</a> $700 million on the three blockbuster movies Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, and Argylle, which grossed $470.4 million globally.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39673877/movie-theater-analyst-sizes-up-amc-cinemark-and-more-predicts-box-office-rebound-in" rel="noreferrer noopener">Movie Theater Analyst Sizes Up AMC, Cinemark And More, Predicts &#8216;Box Office Rebound In 2025&#8217;</a>
Apple&#8217;s George Clooney&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brad Pitt-starring action comedy Wolfs began streaming on Apple TV+ after debuting in limited venues. Apple is considering a similar strategy for subsequent releases, including the World War II drama&nbsp;Blitz.
However, the streaming business emerged as a battleground led by Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>), with Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) and Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) fighting for market share.
Netflix had a market share of 22% in subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services in the second quarter of 2024. Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) streaming service Disney+ followed with a market share of 11% and Apple TV+ at 9%, as per&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/496011/usa-svod-to-tv-streaming-usage/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statista</a>.
Netflix spends $17 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/03/37896107/netflix-cfo-spence-neumann-discusses-companys-growth-strategy-and-future" rel="noreferrer noopener">annually on content</a> and eyes over $600 billion in revenue opportunity.
Disney scored a big win in 2024 with proven franchises Deadpool &amp; Wolverine, grossing $1.32 billion, and Inside Out 2 clocking $1.69 billion globally, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2024/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Box Office Mojo</a>.
Comcast Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) Despicable Me 4, another proven franchise, grossed $0.95 billion. Apple&#8217;s next theatrical release, F1, starring Pitt, is slated for June.
Price Action: AAPL stock is up 0.18% at $227.94 at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/41034366/disney-stock-could-benefit-from-box-office-strength-streaming-analyst-says-dtc-set-for-cont" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disney Stock Could Benefit From Box Office Strength, Streaming: Analyst Says DTC Set &#8216;For Continued Revenue And Profit Growth&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

News

Tech

Media

AAPL

AMZN

CMCSA

NFLX

Apple's Reviews Strategy, Cuts Film Budgets After Blockbuster Spend - What's Next for Apple TV+?

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>80.1K</td>
<td>109.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$415.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td>525</td>
<td>16.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$227.50</td>
<td>$36.3K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>10.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MARA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$17.50</td>
<td>$82.0K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>7.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$26.4K</td>
<td>38.3K</td>
<td>6.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$110.0K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CORZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$41.9K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PGY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$37.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$47.4K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>994</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$95.5K</td>
<td>17.2K</td>
<td>913</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 450 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $64.0 per contract. There were 80174 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 109777 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, is expiring today. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $415.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.0K, with a price of $155.0 per contract. There were 525 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 16571 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 7 day(s) on October 4, 2024. This event was a transfer of 160 contract(s) at a $227.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.3K, with a price of $227.0 per contract. There were 3564 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10464 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MARA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on October 4, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1000 contract(s) at a $17.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $82.0K, with a price of $82.0 per contract. There were 4753 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 7868 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on October 4, 2024. Parties traded 28 contract(s) at a $175.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.4K, with a price of $947.0 per contract. There were 38380 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6484 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on October 4, 2024. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $170.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $110.0K, with a price of $220.0 per contract. There were 1715 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3525 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CORZ (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 49 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 3333 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.9K, with a price of $15.0 per contract. There were 9152 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3334 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PGY (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGY#NASDAQ">PGY</a>), we observe a put option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 147 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 1500 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 46 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.5K, with a price of $25.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1500 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SNOW (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 49 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 177 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.4K, with a price of $268.0 per contract. There were 2767 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 994 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 21 day(s) on October 18, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $160.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $95.5K, with a price of $955.0 per contract. There were 17277 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 913 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

AVGO

Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

MARA

MSTR

NVDA

SMCI

SNOW

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) reported setting new sales records during its July 2024 Prime Day event, though the company did not share many details on sales figures or growth. 
Here's a look at the data on the trending categories and brands behind Amazon's record-breaking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39873953/amazon-prime-day-sees-record-sales-despite-economic-woes">Prime Day 2024 event.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: Amazon's web traffic jumped by 65% on day one of Prime Day, according to <a href="https://www.similarweb.com/">data from</a> SimilarWeb, indicating a high level of consumer interest in the sales event.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Overall, Amazon remained the number one brand by purchases, but Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) climbed past Samsung to claim the number two position with 22% purchase growth. Apple's growth was fueled by consumer searches for "Apple watch" and "airpods," which reached the top seventh- and eighth-ranked search terms, respectively.&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41052423/super-micro-computer-stock-falls-on-report-of-doj-probe-what-to-know">Super Micro Computer Stock Falls On Report Of DOJ Probe: What To Know</a>
The Beauty &amp; Personal Care category saw the largest purchase increase on Prime Day 2024, with sales growth of 14.8% year-over-year. COSRX was the top beauty brand by purchases, as K-Beauty trends continued to gain momentum. Koninklijke Philips NV's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PHG#NYSE">PHG</a>) Philips Norelco entered the top 10 beauty and personal care brands in the number nine position. 
Electronics sales fell by 5.6% compared to 2023's Prime Day event. Samsung and Sony Group Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) retained their rankings of number one and two by purchases in the category as consumers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41055245/ps5-30th-anniversary-chaos-scalpers-sweep-up-stock-leaving-fans-empty-handed">showed interest </a>in gaming. "Gaming laptop," "gaming pc" and "gaming monitor" search terms all ranked in the top 10 electronic keywords from Prime Day 2024. 
In the Grocery &amp; Gourmet Food brands category, coffee brands and energy drinks featured heavily in the top 10 Grocery brands. CELSIUS energy drinks by Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) climbed one spot to the number one position for purchases on Prime Day 2024.&nbsp;
New items that joined the top 10 keywords for the Home and Kitchen category for 2024 were rice cookers, coffee table and espresso machine. Stanley Black &amp; Decker Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWK#NYSE">SWK</a>) sells its rice cooker on Amazon, while Nestle SA &#8211; ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSRGY#OTC">NSRGY</a>)-owned Nespresso offers espresso machines.
What Else: Amazon's next major <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/b40890942/prime-big-deal-days-is-back-october-8-9-offering-prime-members-exclusive-access-to-millions-of-ear">sales event</a> will be Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 8 and 9 to kick off the holiday shopping season. 
Analysts are expecting growth for online retailers this holiday season as budget-conscious consumers look for a combination of value and convenience.&nbsp;
AMZN Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Amazon.com shares are down 1.46% at $188.38 at the time of publication Friday.
Read Also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41036580/expect-healthy-online-spending-this-holiday-season-says-analyst-what-to-know">Expect Healthy Online Spending This Holiday Season, Says Analyst: What To Know</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Movers

CELH

Nestle Sponsored representing Registered Shares Series B

NSRGY

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

Amazon Prime Day Data Insights Before October Event: Apple Purchases Up 22%, Celsius Tops Grocery Category

Legal

Irish Finance Minister On Apple Back Taxes Says Approximately 8B Euros Will Be Received By Irish Exchequer By End Of 2024

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-27_08h59_50.png" alt="" style="width:624px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spending Disappointment</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-spending-disappointment-boj-carry-trade-smci-mc-09272024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock. The chart of SMCI stock is being used to illustrate the point.</li>
<li>A fortune is to be made in artificial intelligence, but it is not going to be in a straight line. At times, it is going to be treacherous.  It is important to not make mistakes by getting carried away with the momo crowd and listening to momo gurus who have a vested interest that is not your best interest.</li>
<li>The chart shows that momo crowd favorite SMCI fell yesterday on the news of a Department of Justice (DOJ) probe due to allegations of accounting irregularities. A DOJ probe is a serious matter as it is often a criminal probe.</li>
<li>The chart shows that the enthusiasm was at its peak right after SMCI stock was added to S&amp;P 500.</li>
<li>The chart shows from the peak to the low, the stock lost 69% of its value.</li>
<li>The chart shows that the day S&amp;P 500 added SMCI stock, The Arora Report made a bold call. The Arora Report call was that SMCI was worth only $442 &#8211; $486 in the best case. The stock peaked at $1229.  As of this writing in the premarket, SMCI stock is trading at $400.95.  All Arora Report calls are 100% transparent, traceable, and auditable. Members have access to over ten years of archives, including the winners and losers – no cherry picking.</li>
<li>Right now, the momo crowd is sitting on massive losses in SMCI stock. The momo crowd was not able to distinguish between NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Super Micro Computer – the prevailing belief among the momo crowd was that NVDA and SMCI were the same.</li>
<li>The U.S. economy is 70% consumer based. For this reason, prudent investors pay attention to personal income and personal spending.  Just released personal income and spending data is disappointing.  Here are the details of the new personal income and spending data:
<ul>
<li>Personal income came at 0.2% vs. 0.4% consensus.</li>
<li>Personal spending came at 0.2% vs. 0.3% consensus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>PCE is the Fed&#8217;s favorite inflation gauge.&nbsp; Here are the details:
<ul>
<li>PCE came at 0.1% vs. 0.1% consensus.</li>
<li>Core PCE came at 0.1% vs. 0.2% consensus.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, the data is in line with expectations. As such, this data should have no impact on the stock market.</li>
<li>Even though the stock market pays a lot of attention to PCE, in The Arora Report analysis, economists have become really good at projecting PCE.&nbsp; As such, investors&#8217; expectations, in general, should be that PCE will come in line with consensus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Japan</h3>
Bank of Japan (BOJ) actions are very important for U.S. investors. The reason is the carry trade.  In carry trade, funds borrow in yen and invest in the U.S. stock market. Lately, they have been buying AI stocks. Japan's ruling party LDP has chosen Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader. Ishiba is the next prime minister of Japan. In The Arora Report analysis, yen is rallying on the news as Ishiba is a supporter of BOJ.
In The Arora Report analysis, this development is negative for the carry trade and positive for the yen position using ETF Invesco CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXY#NYSE">FXY</a>) in The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Allocation.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and NVDA.
In the early trade, money flows are positive in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
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 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is on track to have the best September ever.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.
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.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
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.
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$BTC

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Personal Income And Spending Disappoint, Super Micro Computer Lesson, BOJ Supporter As Japan PM

Struggling chipmaker Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)&nbsp;continues to receive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40968128/qualcomm-reportedly-eyes-potential-takeover-of-intel-amid-60-stock-decline-but-antitrust-concerns-lo" rel="noreferrer noopener">takeover proposals from</a> chip companies, the latest being Arm Holdings Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) following Qualcomm Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) proposal earlier.
Arm Holdings recently proposed to acquire Intel&#8217;s product unit. However, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-27/arm-rejected-by-intel-after-approaching-it-about-buying-product-unit?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> that Intel is not looking to sell the business division.
Intel stock plunged 31% as it failed to capitalize on the artificial intelligence shift, which is something that contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) excelled at.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41012678/super-micro-unveils-next-gen-servers-powered-by-intels-latest-xeon-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Micro Unveils Next-Gen Servers Powered by Intel&#8217;s Latest Xeon Chips</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27091711/newplot-1-7.png" alt="" class="wp-image-569782" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27091711/newplot-1-7.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27091711/newplot-1-7-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Meanwhile, some reports indicated Intel&#8217;s plans to convert its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40897994/whats-going-on-with-intel-stock-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">foundry business into</a> an independent unit, including exploring a spinoff into a publicly traded company. The chipmaker also explored divesting stake in the programmable chip unit&nbsp;Altera.
However, Intel&#8217;s recent big wins included a&nbsp;U.S. chipmaking deal from&nbsp;Amazon.Com Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Amazon Web services and the U.S. Chip grant.
The chipmaker also clarified that it would not divest a majority stake in the struggling <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40941075/whats-going-on-with-autonomous-driving-stock-mobileye-thursday" rel="noreferrer noopener">Israeli autonomous driving company</a> Mobileye Global Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>), whose stock is down 66% in the last 12 months.
Intel&#8217;s exploration of stake sales to companies like Qualcomm and Arm could hinder its U.S. subsidy over antitrust grounds, the Financial Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/ff0ca77d-ad35-45ba-a493-201a26932efb" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Multiple deals including Nvidia&#8217;s proposal to snap Arm Holdings from&nbsp;Softbank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) and Intel&#8217;s&nbsp;Tower Semiconductor (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSEM#NASDAQ">TSEM</a>) deal have succumbed to global regulatory opposition.
The semiconductor sector had a good week, buoyed by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/41046485/whats-going-on-with-nvidia-braodcom-intel-and-other-chip-stocks-on-thursday" rel="noreferrer noopener">key rate cuts</a> in the U.S. and China, an upbeat quarterly print from Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), and continued AI investments from Big Tech companies.
Semiconductor ETFs, Invesco Semiconductors ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSI#NYSE">PSI</a>) and SPDR S&amp;P Semiconductor ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XSD#NYSE">XSD</a>), gained 5%- 7% in the last five days.
Price Action: INTC stock is down 0.04% at $23.91 at the last check on Friday.
Photo via Shutterstock

INTC

MBLY

PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust Dynamic Semiconductor Portfolio

QCOM

SFTBF

SFTBY

TSEM

What's Going On With Intel Stock On Friday?

Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has rolled out a new Passwords app as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39768442/6-new-hidden-iphone-features-you-probably-havent-discovered-yet-on-ios-18">part of its iOS 18 update</a>. This app serves as a comprehensive password manager for iPhone users.
What Happened: The Passwords app is a key feature of the iOS 18 update because it provides a secure location for all passwords, protected by Face ID.
The app also aids in creating robust, unique credentials and alerts users if their details have been compromised.
The Passwords app, which is synced across all devices via iCloud, uses end-to-end encryption to keep user data safe from third parties.
Before this, Apple provided&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34256978/how-to-use-apples-password-manager">basic password manager</a>, the&nbsp;iCloud Keychain. However, the new Passwords app offers improved security and convenience.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40999352/steve-jobs-and-steve-wozniak-once-pranked-the-pope-by-pretending-to-be-henry-kissinger-im-just-calli?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Jobs And Steve Wozniak Once Pranked The Pope By Pretending To Be Henry Kissinger: &#8216;I&#8217;m Just Calling To Make A Confession,&#8217; Said One Apple Co-Founder</a>
How To Use It: Step-by-Step Guide
Step I: Update to iOS 18 by going to Settings &gt; General &gt; Software Update. Then download and install iOS 18.
Step II: Now locate the app on your home screen. It will be labeled as &#8220;Passwords&#8221; with a key icon.
Step III: Open the app and do the first-time setup. Choose whether you want to allow notifications or not and authenticate using Face ID.
Now you will be able to see of dashboard with sections for Passwords, Passkeys, Codes, WiFi networks, deleted items, and Security Recommendations.
Note: You can also create a group to share passwords with trusted contacts, like family members, for easy access to streaming services.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="544" height="1024" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27021321/File-544x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-569021" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27021321/File-544x1024.jpg 544w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27021321/File-159x300.jpg 159w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27021321/File.jpg 574w" sizes="(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px" /></figure>
Why It&#8217;s Important: Announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39256556/apple-unveils-ios-18-with-satellite-messaging-home-screen-customization-privacy-improvements-and-mor">in June earlier this</a> year during Apple&#8217;s Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, iOS 18 was officially released on Sept. 16, 2024.
This major update introduces a variety of features beyond the new Passwords app. This includes improved customization options for the home screen and control center, smart handwriting and math tools in the Notes app and improved Siri functionalities.
However, users may need to wait until mid-October for the stable release of Apple Intelligence, coinciding with the public launch of iOS 18.1, said Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman in his weekly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40975696/are-big-iphone-overhauls-a-thing-of-the-past-apple-shifts-focus-to-software-upgrades-in-new-smartpho">&#8220;Power On&#8221; newsletter</a>.
He also said that iPhone users probably won&#8217;t have access to the complete set of AI-powered features from Apple Intelligence until next year.
Image via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40998105/marques-brownlee-reviews-apples-iphone-16-and-launches-new-app-this-is-the-most-unfinished-ive-ever?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marques Brownlee Reviews Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16 And Launches New App: &#8216;This Is The Most Unfinished I&#8217;ve Ever Seen A New iPhone Launch&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

iOS 18 Includes Apple's New Passwords App with End-to-End Encryption: Here's How You Use It

Multiple analysts re-rated Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) after the company kicked off its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41032461/meta-unveils-new-ai-features-quest-3s-llama-3-2-holographic-orion-glasses-at-connect-2024-we-are-get" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual developer conference</a> Meta Connect with announcements including Meta&#8217;s $299.99 Quest VR headset, Meta AI&nbsp;updates, Meta&#8217;s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses updates, and Meta&#8217;s new Orion glasses.
<ul>
<li>JMP Securities analyst Andrew Boone maintained Meta Platforms with a Market Outperform rating and raised the price target from<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> $550 to $635</a>.</li>
<li>Wedbush analyst Scott Devitt maintained Meta Platforms with an Outperform rating and a $600 price target.</li>
<li>Oppenheimer analyst Jason Helfstein reiterated an Outperform rating on Meta Platforms and set a price target of $615.</li>
<li>Guggenheim analyst Michael Morris maintained a Buy on Meta Platforms rating with a price target of $600.</li>
<li>Stifel analyst Mark Kelley reiterated a Buy on Meta Platforms with a price target of $590.</li>
<li>Rosenblatt analyst Barton Crockett maintained a Buy on Meta Platforms with a price target of $811.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41046013/metas-ai-breakthroughs-dominate-connect-event-as-analyst-highlights-affordable-mixe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta&#8217;s AI Breakthroughs Dominate Connect Event As Analyst Highlights Affordable Mixed-Reality Push</a>
JMP Securities: The re-rating reflects Boone&#8217;s increased confidence in Meta&#8217;s hardware and XR product roadmap. Following Meta Connect, where the company showcased a prototype of its holographic, AI-enabled Orion glasses, the analyst noted Meta is at the forefront of a new computing platform. He flagged Meta&#8217;s progress in developing AR hardware over the last five years. Boone highlighted the possibility of Orion representing the next primary consumer computing platform.
Financially, he noted that computing systems have proven very valuable for Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) (desktop) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) (mobile). CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently said that Meta&#8217;s platform could be twice as profitable if the company owned the underlying infrastructure.
The analyst noted Meta&#8217;s Llama models have the opportunity to take a share of search queries as usage ramps. Over time, Meta has been well positioned to monetize search, given its relationships with 200 million+ SMBs and 12 million+ active advertisers, while likely also incorporating this information into its existing ad products. 
With Meta&#8217;s Quest 3S priced at $299 and below the slightly more feature-rich Quest 3 at $499, Meta continues to drive down hardware costs, which Boone expects to result in greater consumer adoption. Boone projects third-quarter revenue of $39.69 billion and EPS of $4.76.
Wedbush: Devitt noted Meta is making encouraging progress along its AI product roadmap, with Meta AI on track to become the most used AI assistant globally by the end of this year. The analyst said Reality Labs investments are becoming more synergistic with the core business as AI becomes a central component of existing and upcoming hardware products.
Oppenheimer: In the short term, Helfstein noted that the event was less impactful than last year, which focused on integrating AI into the core business and improving advertisers&#8217; ROI. The analyst said that this year, Zuckerberg spent more time discussing the company&#8217;s work with Ray-Ban &amp; fully holographic glasses demo.
Guggenheim: AR Insider data indicates that total Quest unit sales across the Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro are up 13.5% through the second quarter, with 64% of sales attributable to the Quest 3, Morris noted. Given resilient consumer demand for the Quest 3 at a premium price point, the analyst expects the $299 Quest 3S to drive incremental sales as a more economical entry point into the Meta VR/AR ecosystem. He added that contributions from Meta&#8217;s smart eyewear also continue to grow on the heels of a new long-term agreement with Ray-Ban maker Essilor Luxottica. Morris noted Meta as a leader in AR/VR wearable devices with solid momentum heading into the holiday season.
Stifel: Overall, Kelley noted the Llama announcements and Meta AI demos as highly encouraging and evidence that Meta is well positioned in that race. The analyst also noted that the Orion prototype demos are likely illustrative of the company&#8217;s broader Metaverse vision over the longer term, which might indicate that Reality Labs investments may taper off over the medium term as use cases begin to crystallize.
Rosenblatt: Meta&#8217;s Connect 2024 showcased how the company, driven by a willingness to invest more heavily than any competitor in VR/AR and the Metaverse, along with its strategic price-to-performance decisions, is uniquely delivering products that are leading in consumer adoption, according to Crockett. The analyst said the event highlighted how Meta continues advancing its AI capabilities.
The analyst noted that the advancement of its AI capabilities is currently more critical. It is part of a positive inflection in Meta&#8217;s core advertising business that is still not fully captured in the shares, even after an over 60% rise year-to-date and 90% in the last 12 months. Crockett noted Meta could trade in a year at an Apple-like P/E of 30 times forward EPS. Crockett projects third-quarter revenue of $40.86 billion and EPS of $5.75.
KeyBanc:  Meta&#8217;s latest Connect conference focused on the progress Meta has made in AI and mixed reality devices and was largely in line with Patterson&#8217;s expectations. The analyst remains encouraged by progress with the Meta AI assistant and Llama models. 
While Quest and Glass (Ray-Ban, Orion) are still in the early innings, he noted Meta&#8217;s AI capabilities and efforts to work more with developers could help the company differentiate from competitors over time.
Price Action: META stock is down 0.51% at $565.44 at last check Thursday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41029168/meta-connect-leaks-reveal-affordable-quest-3s-batman-game-bundle-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Connect Leaks Reveal Affordable Quest 3S, Batman Game Bundle: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Meta Analysts Highlight AI, VR Advances, See Growth Pushing It Toward Apple-Like Valuation

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$32.5K</td>
<td>10.3K</td>
<td>73.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$227.50</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>18.6K</td>
<td>51.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MARA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>25.7K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$435.00</td>
<td>$29.2K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DOCN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PGY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$29.4K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>413</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$25.4K</td>
<td>666</td>
<td>399</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JBL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$30.6K</td>
<td>689</td>
<td>360</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$33.0K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>290</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$34.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>269</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $125.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.5K, with a price of $325.0 per contract. There were 10322 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 73990 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 252 contract(s) at a $227.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $100.0 per contract. There were 18626 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 51421 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MARA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 113 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $290.0 per contract. There were 25783 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6686 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 8 day(s) on October 4, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $435.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.2K, with a price of $292.0 per contract. There were 3437 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4628 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DOCN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOCN#NYSE">DOCN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 22 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $42.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $175.0 per contract. There were 3702 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1649 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PGY (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGY#NASDAQ">PGY</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 113 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 190 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.4K, with a price of $155.0 per contract. There were 1001 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 413 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ACN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 62 contract(s) at a $350.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.4K, with a price of $410.0 per contract. There were 666 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 399 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For JBL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 22 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 42 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.6K, with a price of $730.0 per contract. There were 689 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 360 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 813 day(s) on December 18, 2026. This event was a transfer of 112 contract(s) at a $38.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.0K, with a price of $295.0 per contract. There were 3169 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 290 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 113 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 92 contract(s) at a $220.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.9K, with a price of $380.0 per contract. There were 1326 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 269 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

DOCN

10 Information Technology Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-26_08h32_04.png" alt="" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Growing Optimism</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-china-bringing-optimism-wall-street-positioning-mu-mc-09262024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock. The chart of MU stock is being used to illustrate the point.</li>
<li>In yesterday's Morning Capsule, we wrote the following about Micron earnings in advance:</li>
<li>Going into earnings, here are the key points:
<ul>
<li>Whisper numbers are below the consensus numbers. This is an oddity among AI stocks. Among AI stocks, whisper numbers have consistently been higher than consensus numbers.</li>
<li>Wall Street positioning is negative.</li>
<li>The chart shows that MU stock has bounced off of the support zone.</li>
<li>Historically, when the foregoing factors are combined, the stock goes up after earnings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The chart shows a strong up move in MU after earnings were released after the market closed yesterday.</li>
<li>The chart illustrates the value of understanding positioning and the big edge it gives to investors. Micron earnings were mediocre.  The real reason behind the strong move is negative Wall Street positioning.  If the same earnings would have come out a few months ago, when Wall Street positioning was very positive, the stock would have been down $20.  </li>
<li>The chart shows that in the premarket, MU is breaking above the resistance zone. If MU closes above the resistance zone shown on the chart, this zone will become a support zone.</li>
<li>The move up in MU stock is bringing in extremely aggressive buying in most semiconductor stocks in the premarket.&nbsp; In turn, the buying is becoming aggressive in most AI stocks in the premarket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>We have been sharing with you details of China's stimulus plan.&nbsp; Now, with a potential addition, China's stimulus plan is about to become a bazooka.
<ul>
<li>China is considering injecting up to one trillion yuan into state owned banks for the purpose of expanding their capacity to loan more money.</li>
<li>Stocks in Hong Kong are up 4.2% and up 3.6% in Shanghai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The strong move up in Chinese stocks brought in optimism first to Asian stocks, then to Europe, and now to the U.S. in a round robin fashion.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, deflation in China has helped U.S. inflation.&nbsp; Now all of the stimulus in China is going to start inflation in China.&nbsp; Some of that inflation is going to come back to the U.S. at a time when the Fed is aggressively cutting rates.&nbsp; All of this could spell trouble for the stock market down the road.&nbsp; However, for the time being, no one is connecting the dots as the party shifts to full swing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Weekly initial claims came at 218K vs. 224K consensus. This indicates that the jobs picture is strong</li>
<li>Durable orders came stronger than expected.&nbsp; Here are the key points:
<ul>
<li>Headline Durable Orders came at 0.0% vs. -2.9% consensus.</li>
<li>Durable Orders Ex-Transportation came at 0.5% vs. 0.1% consensus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Just released GDP data shows that economic growth is strong.&nbsp; Here are the details:
<ul>
<li>Q2 GDP Third Estimate came at 3.0% vs. 3.0% consensus.</li>
<li>GDP Deflator Third Estimate came at 2.5% vs. 2.5% consensus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The foregoing economic data is bringing in aggressive buying in the stock market.&nbsp; The reason is that normally when the economy is this strong, the Fed is not aggressively cutting interest rates.&nbsp; Here, the economy is strong, and the Fed is aggressively cutting rates.</li>
<li>Here is the key question for prudent investors: Did the Fed make a mistake with the 50 bps cut?&nbsp; Stay tuned for more.</li>
<li>Powell comments are ahead and may be market moving.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are positive in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
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 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is seeing buying along with tech stocks.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.
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.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
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>.

China Bazooka Brings Optimism To U.S. Stocks, Micron Earnings Show The Value Of Knowing Positioning

Semiconductor stocks especially linked to artificial intelligence led by Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), Arm Holdings Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) are trading higher Thursday in sympathy with Micron Technology, Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>).
Micron&#8217;s upbeat fourth-quarter performance is pushing the sector higher. AI server company Super Micro Computer, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) has also gained momentum.
On Wednesday, Micron reported quarterly revenue of $7.75 billion, up by 93%, beating the&nbsp;analyst consensus of $7.64 billion. This was driven by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/41034733/micron-q4-earnings-revenue-eps-beat-on-robust-ai-demand-company-sees-significantly-improved-profita" rel="noreferrer noopener">a strong ramp</a> of its data center DRAM and high-bandwidth memory products.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41032464/new-broadcom-chipsets-set-to-boost-comcast-and-charter-networks-with-over-25-gbps-speed" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Broadcom Chipsets Set to Boost Comcast and Charter Networks With Over 25 Gbps Speed</a>
The upbeat quarterly prints of Nvidia, Broadcom, and Micron bear testimony to the continued AI frenzy as hyperscalers remain invested in their AI endeavors.
Some positive updates bearing testimony to continued AI momentum include Microsoft earmarking $1.3 billion to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41020845/microsoft-invests-1-3b-to-boost-ai-skills-and-infrastructure-in-mexico" rel="noreferrer noopener">boost AI infrastructure</a> and skills in Mexico and Taiwan Semiconductor bagging <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41007184/taiwan-semi-secures-7-5b-boost-for-arizona-expansion-aims-for-advanced-chip-production-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">smartphone chip deals</a> from Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>).
BofA Securities analyst Justin Post also hailed the latest partnership between rival cloud providers Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), which can unlock demand <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40800539/amazon-and-oracle-partnership-unlocks-major-cloud-growth-opportunity-analyst-suggests" rel="noreferrer noopener">for infrastructure and applications</a>.
Struggling chipmaker Intel&#8217;s Amazon deal and U.S. grant also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40897994/whats-going-on-with-intel-stock-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflect further optimism</a>.
The semiconductor sector also benefited from the key rate cuts by the U.S. and China, which aim to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41004045/whats-going-on-with-chinese-stocks-alibaba-nio-xpeng-li-auto-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">spur discretionary spending</a> by capital-intensive companies.
Price Actions: NVDA stock is up 2.51% at $126.62 premarket at last check Thursday. AMD is up 3.10% at $167.04, and INTC is up 3.70% at $24.41.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41023040/nvidia-xpeng-join-alibabas-apsara-conference-to-showcase-ai-tech-advancements" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia, XPeng Join Alibaba&#8217;s Apsara Conference to Showcase AI Tech Advancements</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Earnings

GOOGL

ORCL

What's Going On With Nvidia, Broadcom, Intel, And Other Chip Stocks On Thursday?

Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) committed a minimum of 40 billion yuan ($5.7 billion) in resources to help merchants on Taobao and Tmall during the&nbsp;Singles' Day&nbsp;shopping festival.
Taobao and Tmall Group see 30 billion yuan in consumer vouchers and resources up to 10 billion yuan to boost traffic, SCMP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3279954/alibabas-singles-day-preparation-includes-us57-billion-aid-merchants" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The platforms also introduced new measures to reduce merchant operational costs, including waiving commission fees.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41023040/nvidia-xpeng-join-alibabas-apsara-conference-to-showcase-ai-tech-advancements" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia, XPeng Join Alibaba's Apsara Conference to Showcase AI Tech Advancements</a>
The Singles' Day shopping festival was originally a 24-hour event named for its date, November 11th, or 11/11.
During Alibaba's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39143383/alibabas-618-shopping-festival-boosts-sales-with-big-brands-like-apple-xiaomi-leading-the-way" rel="noreferrer noopener">618 shopping festival</a> in May and June, gross merchandise value (GMV) grew by 13.6%, but profit&nbsp;margins were hit, SCMP cites third-party data.
The margin hit probably reflects the intense domestic price war. Brands, including&nbsp;Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>),&nbsp;Xiaomi Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACF#OTC">XIACF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACY#OTC">XIACY</a>), and Huawei Technologies Co, each exceeded 100 million yuan in gross merchandise value.
Earlier this week, Chinese stocks led by Alibaba got a boost from&nbsp;China's central bank's&nbsp;plans to cut <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41004045/whats-going-on-with-chinese-stocks-alibaba-nio-xpeng-li-auto-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">banks' reserve requirement ratio (RRR)</a> by 50 basis points or half a percentage point and trim the seven-day reverse repurchase rate to 1.5% from 1.7%.
China followed the U.S. Fed rate cut a week ago to spur growth by unlocking discretionary spending.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40927136/amazon-boosts-worker-pay-to-over-29hour-invests-2-2b-as-holiday-kicks-in" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recent reports indicated</a> that Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) are boosting workers' hourly wages before the holiday season. In 2023, Amazon's&nbsp;U.S. sales reached&nbsp;$12.4 billion on Cyber Monday, up 9.6%, quashing the estimated $12 billion. The total online sales for Cyber Week reached $38 billion, topping the $37.2 billion estimate.
Alibaba stock has been up over 11% in the last 12 months as the critical rate cuts have offered respite from domestic economic weakness.
Price Action: BABA stock is trading higher by 7.24% at $102.34 premarket at the last check on&nbsp;Thursday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40977069/alibaba-teams-up-with-nvidia-to-supercharge-evs-for-chinese-automakers-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alibaba Teams Up With Nvidia to Supercharge EVs for Chinese Automakers: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo Via Shutterstock

BABA

XIACF

XIACY

Alibaba Follows Amazon And Walmart, Pours $5.7B Into Holiday Sales Push

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) unveiled a sneak peek of its new Orion holographic glasses <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40989179/meta-connect-2024-preview-cheaper-vr-expected-analysts-see-augmented-reality-and-ai">at its Connect event</a>. The company also announced new product updates for the Meta Quest and Meta's AI platform. Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), made a surprise appearance in a video teasing the Orion glasses. What Are Meta's Orion Glasses? Meta's Orion glasses are a piece of wearable technology, that will allow users to open browsers, respond to messages and more. The features, <a href="https://x.com/NathieVR/status/1839001358940385780">highlighted in a video shared on X</a>, appear similar to what users are able to do with Apple Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) Vision Pro, but are less bulky with Orion looking more like a normal pair of glasses.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Here's a sneak peek at Meta's new small form glasses, called Orion. They're fully standalone and feature eye, hand, and even neural tracking. Can't wait to try these! <a href="https://t.co/gIN2NOllMW">pic.twitter.com/gIN2NOllMW</a>
&mdash; Nathie @ Meta Connect (@NathieVR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NathieVR/status/1839001358940385780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Meta is spending billions of dollars to purchase Nvidia's GPUs, which are seen as the gold standard in the AI and AR industries. Huang, who is now worth more than $100 billion according to Forbes, appears in a video wearing the Orion glasses. Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41032461/meta-unveils-new-ai-features-quest-3s-llama-3-2-holographic-orion-glasses-at-connect-2024-we-are-get">Meta Unveils New AI Features, Quest 3S, Llama 3.2, Holographic Orion Glasses At Connect 2024: &#8216;We Are Getting Closer To Achieving The Dream Of Reality Labs&#8217; </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41032461/meta-unveils-new-ai-features-quest-3s-llama-3-2-holographic-orion-glasses-at-connect-2024-we-are-get"> </a>"The head tracking is good," <a href="https://x.com/StockMKTNewz/status/1839001699442106556">Huang said. </a>"The brightness is good, the color contrast is good, the field of view is excellent." For Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the Orion glasses have been a long time coming. Zuckerberg, who through Meta has invested billions of dollars in developing the Metaverse and other AR technologies, first had the vision for Orion 10 years ago. "About a decade ago, I started putting together a team of the best people in the world to build these glasses," Zuckerberg said. "The requirements are actually pretty simple but the technological challenges to make them are insane." 
Zuckerberg seemed to take a subliminal shot at Apple and its AR headset, the Vision Pro, saying that "they need to be glasses, not a headset" when speaking about Orion.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/41033667/ais-uneven-growth-regional-bank-picks-and-beaten-down-retail-stocks-in-focus-as-wedbush-analyst-">AI&#8217;s Uneven Growth, Regional Bank Picks, And Beaten-Down Retail Stocks In Focus As Wedbush Analyst Shares Insights</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Billionaire Tech CEO Makes Cameo In Zuckerberg's Meta Connect Show

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Apple. Our analysis of options history for Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) revealed 132 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 44% of traders were bullish, while 41% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 56 were puts, with a value of $4,384,890, and 76 were calls, valued at $3,898,585.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $150.0 to $270.0 for Apple over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Apple'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 Apple's whale trades within a strike price range from $150.0 to $270.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Apple Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727290924_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$7.85</td>
<td>$7.95</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$357.7K</td>
<td>477</td>
<td>450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/25/24</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$218.0K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$5.95</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$5.93</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$206.5K</td>
<td>10.5K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$139.1K</td>
<td>17.7K</td>
<td>953</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$115.3K</td>
<td>6.7K</td>
<td>6.7K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Apple</h3>
Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.
<h3>Where Is Apple Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 23,433,621, the AAPL's price is down by -1.05%, now at $224.98. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 36 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Apple</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 $255.2.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group downgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $250. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $256. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Needham downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $260. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their Outperform rating on Apple, maintaining a target price of $250. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Needham downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $260. 
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Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google filed an <a target="_blank" href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/inside-google-cloud/filing-eu-complaint-against-microsoft-licensing/" rel="noreferrer noopener">antitrust complaint against</a>&nbsp;Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) with the European Union&#8217;s top antitrust regulator Tuesday for allegedly abusing its influence to lock customers into Microsoft&#8217;s cloud platform Azure.
Google Cloud Vice President Amit Zavery said that Microsoft customers had to pay a 400% mark-up to keep running Windows Server on rival cloud computing operators.
For nearly twenty years, Google became a target of EU antitrust action, partly stemming from&nbsp;complaints supported&nbsp;by Microsoft, the Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/google-files-eu-antitrust-complaint-against-microsoft-cfcd99bb?mod=tech_lead_story" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/25092147/newplot-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-565512" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/25092147/newplot-21.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/25092147/newplot-21-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Google has long trailed Microsoft and&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Amazon Web Services in the cloud business.
Google&#8217;s complaint comes after Microsoft&#8217;s settlement of a complaint from a trade group representing European cloud services providers.
Google argues that Windows Server customers are unfairly penalized if they want to use competing cloud services.
Google has also made similar arguments to those of the U.K.&#8217;s competition regulator.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40986921/microsofts-ai-lead-shrinks-analyst-downgrades-stock-as-amazon-and-google-close-the-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earlier this week</a>, DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria&nbsp;noted Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud are gaining traction in cloud and code generation businesses at the cost of Microsoft Azure.
Big Tech companies have been drawing global regulatory scrutiny for their alleged anticompetitive practices, which have boosted their toplines and bottomlines. The companies allegedly created &#8220;walled gardens&#8221; under their products and services, preventing users from resorting to rival services.
Google drew flak for paying companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40190328/google-antitrust-challenge-puts-billions-in-search-revenue-at-stake-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener"> keep its search engine</a> as the default for its devices. Apple also drew scrutiny for preventing users from using <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40943746/after-lightning-port-eu-targets-apples-iphone-and-ipad-systems-demands-greater-access-for-third-part" rel="noreferrer noopener">rival operating systems</a> for its devices.
Reports claimed Amazon&#8217;s alleged antitrust practices of preferential treatment to its products on its platforms could lead to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34917805/ftc-and-states-take-on-amazon-in-antitrust-battle-1" rel="noreferrer noopener">company&#8217;s breakup</a>. Google also faced similar concerns. However, Wedbush&#8217;s Dan Ives&nbsp;snubbed worries over the breakup of Big Techs for alleged <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40366001/big-tech-breakup-highly-unlikely-despite-googles-doj-antitrust-setback-says-wedbush" rel="noreferrer noopener">violation of antitrust norms</a>.
Price Actions: MSFT stock is up 0.55% at $431.54 at the last check on Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

Eurozone

Google Challenges Microsoft's Cloud Dominance, Files Antitrust Complaint in Europe: Report

Throughout the last three months, 49 analysts have evaluated Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">22</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">16</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Apple, revealing an average target of $250.8, a high estimate of $300.00, and a low estimate of $186.00. Observing a 6.1% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $236.38. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727287264_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Apple. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pierre Ferragu</td>
<td>New Street Research</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Martin</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Martin</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amit Daryanani</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Samik Chatterjee</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Martin Yang</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Farrell</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Ives</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wamsi Mohan</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom Forte</td>
<td>Maxim Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$203.00</td>
<td>$203.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Barton Crockett</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$261.00</td>
<td>$261.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erik Woodring</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Martin</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Ives</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wamsi Mohan</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Vogt</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$236.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Feinseth</td>
<td>Tigress Financial</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Strong Buy</td>
<td>$295.00</td>
<td>$245.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Atif Malik</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$255.00</td>
<td>$255.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Farrell</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erik Woodring</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amit Daryanani</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wamsi Mohan</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benjamin Reitzes</td>
<td>Melius Research</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Craig Moffett</td>
<td>MoffettNathanson</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$211.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erik Woodring</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Martin</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom Forte</td>
<td>Maxim Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$203.00</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Barton Crockett</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$261.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Ives</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rod Hall</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Atif Malik</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$255.00</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Long</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$186.00</td>
<td>$187.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krish Sankar</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Srini Pajjuri</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Power</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Long</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$187.00</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Samik Chatterjee</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$245.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rod Hall</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$238.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Angelo Zino</td>
<td>CFRA</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ananda Baruah</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erik Woodring</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
<td>$216.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Ives</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wamsi Mohan</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Martin</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wamsi Mohan</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Farrell</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Vogt</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Martin</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Martin Yang</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Apple. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Apple compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of Apple's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Apple's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Apple analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Apple Better</h2>
Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.
<h3>Apple: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Apple's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 4.87%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Apple's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 25.0%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Apple's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 30.44%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Apple's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 6.41% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Apple's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 1.52. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

The Analyst Landscape: 49 Takes On Apple

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$28.2K</td>
<td>103.6K</td>
<td>275.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$29.4K</td>
<td>34.2K</td>
<td>45.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BILL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$93.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$450.00</td>
<td>$86.2K</td>
<td>14.7K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DOCU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$53.0K</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/11/24</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$32.0K</td>
<td>212</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$32.8K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
<td>819</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$475.00</td>
<td>$27.4K</td>
<td>299</td>
<td>447</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$49.7K</td>
<td>574</td>
<td>277</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$114.0K</td>
<td>6.5K</td>
<td>248</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 251 contract(s) at a $125.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.2K, with a price of $114.0 per contract. There were 103644 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 275707 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on September 27, 2024. This event was a transfer of 950 contract(s) at a $230.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 30 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.4K, with a price of $31.0 per contract. There were 34204 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 45988 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BILL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BILL#NYSE">BILL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 149 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 18 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $93.6K, with a price of $470.0 per contract. There were 1050 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4129 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 23 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 401 contract(s) at a $450.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.2K, with a price of $215.0 per contract. There were 14774 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3407 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DOCU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOCU#NASDAQ">DOCU</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 51 day(s) on November 15, 2024. Parties traded 1555 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 42 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.0K, with a price of $35.0 per contract. There were 5 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1557 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SNOW (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 16 day(s) on October 11, 2024. This event was a transfer of 191 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.0K, with a price of $168.0 per contract. There were 212 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1409 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 51 day(s) on November 15, 2024. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $165.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.8K, with a price of $1095.0 per contract. There were 7274 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 819 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 9 day(s) on October 4, 2024. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $475.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.4K, with a price of $1370.0 per contract. There were 299 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 447 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DDOG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 177 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 140 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 23 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.7K, with a price of $355.0 per contract. There were 574 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 277 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 86 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 13 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $114.0K, with a price of $570.0 per contract. There were 6517 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 248 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

BILL

DDOG

DOCU

The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates could positively impact stocks, consumers, and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/09/40928301/interest-rates-in-free-fall-what-it-means-for-mortgages-credit-cards-and-your-wallet-a"> several key sectors.</a>
Benzinga readers were recently asked to pick which Magnificent Seven stocks could benefit the most from the interest rate cut.
What Happened: The Federal Reserve's decision to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead"> cut interest rates</a> could benefit small-cap stocks the most, with loans cheaper for companies that need capital to continue growing.
Interest rate cuts could also benefit consumers as mortgage rates decline, auto loans get cheaper and credit card fees get lowered as a trickle-down impact from the Federal Reserve's decision.
Along with small cap stocks, the overall stock market could benefit including the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/magnificent-seven">Magnificent Seven stocks </a>that are among the most valuable and most-followed stocks in the U.S.
"Which Magnificent 7 stock will perform the best during the rate-cutting cycle," Benzinga recently asked readers.
Here are the results:
<ul>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>): 24%</li>
<li>NVIDA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>): 21%</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): 19%</li>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): 13%</li>
<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): 8%</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): 8%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): 8%</li>
</ul>
Tesla won the poll as the stock that will perform the best during the rate-cutting cycle with nearly a quarter of the vote. The stock could be popular given auto loans could come down in price and consumers having less concerns about higher prices all around could mean new auto purchases become more of a possibility.
Investors may also have picked Tesla in the poll as it is the Magnificent Seven stock with the worst year-to-date and one-year performance.
Here are the current performances of the Magnificent Seven stocks:
<ul>
<li>Tesla: Year-to-Date +2.5%, 1-Year +3.1%</li>
<li>Nvidia: Year-to-Date +157.6%, 1-Year +193.9%</li>
<li>Amazon: Year-to-Date +28.6%, 1-Year +46.9%</li>
<li>Apple: Year-to-Date +21.4%, 1-Year +28.0%</li>
<li>Microsoft: Year-to-Date +16.5%, 1-Year +36.0%</li>
<li>Meta: Year-to-Date +64.7%, 1-Year +89.6%</li>
<li>Alphabet: Year-to-Date +17.6%, 1-Year +23.9%</li>
</ul>
The Magnificent 7 stocks have mostly outperformed the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index. The SPY is up 20.8% year-to-date and has climbed 32.1% over the last year, beating three Magnificent 7 stocks year-to-date and three stocks over the previous year.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent092524">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
What's Next: With less than three months left in 2024, investment appetite for Magnificent Seven stocks could change, with investors looking for small-cap winners or stocks that could perform well after the 2024 election.
Benzinga readers recently voted Nvidia as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/08/40602271/ready-to-retire-on-a-single-magnificent-7-stock-poll-reveals-top-pick-and-its-not-apple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">their top Magnificent 7 stock </a>to retire on, with 33% of the vote. Apple and Microsoft ranked second and third, with 21% and 17%, respectively.
In August, Benzinga readers said the Magnificent Seven stock they were most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/exclusives/24/08/40403222/exclusive-which-magnificent-7-stock-would-investors-put-1-000-in-today-44-of-benzinga-readers-pick-t">likely to invest $1,000</a> in was Nvidia at 44% of the vote, followed by Apple (13%) and Amazon (11%).
The different polls show varying interest in the Magnificent Seven stocks depending on the investment angle. Tesla did not rank in the top three of recent polls until investors were asked about the investment angle of rate cuts.
For investors looking to get exposure to all the Magnificent Seven stocks, there is also the Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NASDAQ">MAGS</a>), which holds the seven companies. The ETF is up 45% year-to-date and up over 57% in the past year.
The study was conducted by Benzinga Sept. 19 through Sept. 20, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 210 adults.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/09/41025936/musk-zuckerberg-cook-cuban-or-thiel-whos-the-most-influential-tech-leader-in-2024-election-benzi">Musk, Zuckerberg, Cook, Cuban Or Thiel: Who&#8217;s The Most Influential Tech Leader In 2024 Election? Benzinga Readers Respond, And It&#8217;s Not Even Close</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: gguy/Shutterstock.com

Education

MAGS

After Fed Rate Cuts, Is Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Or Amazon The Best Investment? Poll Reveals Top Magnificent 7 Stock

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-25_08h49_58.png" alt="" style="width:624px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Key To The AI Trade</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-micron-earnings-china-rate-cut-mu-mc-09252024">click here</a> for a chart of Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock.&nbsp; The chart of MU stock is being used to illustrate the point.</li>
<li>Micron is one of the three largest semiconductor memory makers in the world.</li>
<li>The demand for high bandwidth memory for AI applications is rapidly increasing.</li>
<li>The chart shows Micron's last two earnings and the market reaction.</li>
<li>The chart shows that MU stock peaked with a bearish engulfing candle. A bearish engulfing candle is a negative pattern.</li>
<li>The chart shows when the Arora signal was given to take partial profits.</li>
<li>As full disclosure, MU is long from $21.77 in The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Buy portfolio that surrounds the Core Model Portfolio.</li>
<li>The chart shows a very substantial drop in the stock.&nbsp; There are two reasons for the drop:
<ul>
<li>From a fundamental perspective, the demand for memory in smartphones has been soft.</li>
<li>At its peak, MU had become a crowded trade, and Wall Street positioning had become extremely positive. These are the two factors that often lead to big drops.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Going into earnings, here are the key points:
<ul>
<li>Whisper numbers are below the consensus numbers.&nbsp; This is an oddity among AI stocks.&nbsp; Among AI stocks, whisper numbers have consistently been higher than consensus numbers.</li>
<li>Wall Street positioning is negative.</li>
<li>The chart shows that MU stock has bounced off of the support zone.</li>
<li>Historically, when the foregoing factors are combined, the stock goes up after earnings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Micron earnings and the stock reaction will be an important key to the AI trade.</li>
<li>Some of Micron's business is a commodity business and therefore does not have the same moat as Nvidia (NVDA).&nbsp; Nonetheless, investors should be cognizant that many AI stocks have become crowded trades and Wall Street positioning is extremely positive.&nbsp; This is the fifth stage of a change.&nbsp; Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/ppp-long-trade-ppp">click here</a> to see the five stages of a long trade.&nbsp; &nbsp; Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/five-stages-of-a-short-trade-ppp">click here</a> for five stages of a short trade.</li>
<li>As an actionable item, investors should pay attention to the protection band as well as posts calling for hedging AI stocks.</li>
<li>We have seen sharing with you the stimulus measures the Chinese government has been taking and the resulting rally that is taking place in the Chinese stock market.&nbsp; The latest is that China has now cut the one year policy rate by the largest amount ever, from 2.3% to 2%.</li>
<li>The Arora Report has followed China continuously for the last 17 years.  The two ETFs of interest are Mainland China ETF Xtrackers Hvst CSI 300 China A Shs ETF Class A (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASHR#NYSE">ASHR</a>) and Hong Kong ETF iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXI#NYSE">FXI</a>). </li>
<li>What happens in China has a major impact on all markets around the globe,including the U.S. stock market.&nbsp; The world is interconnected.&nbsp; Even investors who do not invest outside of the U.S. need to pay attention to what is happening in the rest of the world.
<ul>
<li>The Arora Report has continuously followed economic indicators in 23 countries over the last 17 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Consumer confidence came at 98.7 vs. 102.9 consensus.&nbsp; In The Arora Report analysis, this data went against the soft landing and no landing scenarios.&nbsp; However, for the time being, the stock market celebrated lower consumer confidence on the hope that falling consumer confidence would lead the Fed to another 50 bps cut in interest rates.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are negative in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are mixed in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
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 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is range bound.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.
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.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
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.
Footer: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>.

ASHR

Micron Earnings Ahead - Key To AI Trade; Biggest One Year Rate Cut In China

New Street Research analyst Pierre Ferragu reiterates Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) with a Neutral and maintains $225 price target.

New Street Research Reiterates Neutral on Apple, Maintains $225 Price Target

Apple might release new 'HomeAccessory' product as soon as 2025: report

Google: The Antitrust Case Loss And Its Consequences

This "self-destructive" plan was the most important factor for Apple Inc.'s continued growth from a garage startup into a $3.3 trillion market titan.

Apple's $3.3 Trillion "Self-Destructive" Secret…

Google: Suffering From Success

In a report released today, Wamsi Mohan from Bank of America Securities maintained a Buy rating on Apple (AAPL – Research Report), with a price tar...

Buy Rating Justified: Apple's AI and Siri Monetization Promise Revenue Growth

Apple: Why AI Upside Is Overblown

Apple ($AAPL) is back in the hot seat, facing a narrowed privacy lawsuit over accusations that it collected personal data from iPhone, iPad, and Ap...

Apple Faces Privacy Lawsuit Over Data Collection Practices

Why Berkshire Hathaway Belongs In Your Dividend Portfolio Despite No Payout

Apple may unveil new Vision Pro with M5 chip, Apple Intelligence in 2025: analyst

Alibaba's Savior Is Not Chinese Stimulus, But An Impending Global AI Partnership

BABAF

Screenshot 2024-09-19 at 5.42.03 PM

Commodities

Buffet Shifts To Cash, DoJ Launches Nvidia Investigation – Is It Time To Invest In Gold And Other Stores Of Value?

Screenshot 2024-09-18 at 5.31.01 PM

Emerging Market ETFs

ETFs

AIBD

AIBU

The Risks And Rewards Of Betting Big On AI &amp; Big Data

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

Cryptocurrency

The Benefits Of Increasing Your Portfolio Diversification With Crypto

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FEPI

NVDQ

ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long NVIDIA Daily Target ETF

NVDX

Nvidia Is Up Over 150% YTD, But Some Are Flagging Risks – Trade Your Expectation Either Way With REX Shares Leveraged ETFs

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Movers & Shakers

FRGE

HOOD

SCHW

Private Companies Are 50% More Profitable Than Public Companies And Are At Lower Valuations – Now You Can Invest In Them With Linqto

AFRM

Affirm&#39;s underwriting is more sophisticated than other fintechs and the company has a strong track record, Will Nance said in the initiation note.

Goldman Analyst Is Bullish About This Buy Now, Pay Later Underwriting Company

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Emerging Markets

BNAI

SSTK

Apple Becomes Latest Giant To Adopt AI, But Risks Persist – Brand Engagement Network May Have The Solution To Ensure Security In The Age Of AI

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TSX:ZSP

The $8.8 Trillion That Could Flow To The Stock Market With Fed Rate Cuts

Press Releases

Introducing Apple Watch Series 10

Apple introduces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

Apple introduces AirPods 4 and the world's first all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2

Apple debuts iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple Watch Ultra 2 now available in black titanium

Apple introduces groundbreaking health features to support conditions impacting billions of people

The Risks And Rewards Of Betting Big On AI & Big Data

Eightco Holdings Inc. Is Ripe For Appreciation After Scoring Q3 Milestone   (NASDAQ: OCTO)

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