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Últimas noticias sobre Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Bolsa

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.

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Conoce cómo las empresas de EE.UU. lideran el índice MSCI World con un 73,92% de peso y qué significa esto.

EE.UU. domina el índice MSCI World con las empresas más grandes del mercado bursátil global

Long Ideas

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Apple sigue ofreciendo un dividendo anual del 0,43%. Descubre cuánto invertir para ganar $500 al mes en dividendos.

Cómo ganar $500 al mes con acciones de Apple (AAPL) antes del iOS 18.4

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General

Apple deberá pagar 14.000 millones en impuestos a Irlanda mientras lanza el iPhone 16, su primer smartphone con IA integrada.

Apple obligada a pagar $14000M en impuestos a Irlanda mientras lanza el iPhone 16 con IA

Apple Inc

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-18/apple-halts-long-running-effort-to-build-iphone-hardware-subscription-service" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-18/apple-halts-long-running-effort-to-build-iphone-hardware-subscription-service">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-18/apple-halts-long-running-effort-to-build-iphone-hardware-subscription-service</a>

AFRM

'Apple Halts Effort To Build iPhone Hardware Subscription Service; Much-Delayed Program Had Been In Development Since Around 2022; Company Also Shut Down Pay Later Offering Earlier This Year' - Bloomberg News

Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) shares are trading lower Wednesday, pulling back from a recent surge that saw the stock join the $1 trillion club. Here&#8217;s a look at what <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42536512/market-breadth-worsens-as-tech-giants-break-free-from-sp-500-reality-is-this-bullish-or-bearish-for-2025">you need to know</a>.
What To Know: Broadcom shares have been on a tear over the past week, gaining nearly 40% since <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42472970/broadcom-reports-mixed-q4-results-eps-beat-revenues-miss-q1-guidance-in-line-with-estimates">reporting earnings</a>. Broadcom shares soared after the company beat earnings estimates and provided strong guidance for AI-related revenue growth.
Broadcom&#8217;s fourth-quarter revenue was up 51% year-over-year to $14.05 billion, but came up short of estimates of $14.09 billion, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>. Despite the miss on overall revenue, Broadcom reported a 220% increase in AI revenue and guided for significant growth in 2025. Positive commentary surrounding AI on the call also helped drive momentum to the upside.
Broadcom CEO Hock Tan said on the call with analysts and investors that he expects the total addressable market for the company&#8217;s AI chips to be between $60 billion and $90 billion over the next few years. He also announced that the company was working on custom AI chips with large cloud customers, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/13/broadcom-stock-jumps-21percent-pushing-company-past-1-trillion-market-cap-for-the-first-time.html">per</a> CNBC.
Reports from last week suggested that Broadcom was working with Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42439155/broadcom-stock-jumps-on-apple-ai-chip-report-whats-going-on">AI chip development</a>. The company is reportedly working on development of an AI server chip&#8217;s networking technology. Broadcom shares got a boost from the news. 
Several analysts have weighed in with positive updates since the company reported fourth-quarter results. Multiple analysts maintained Overweight ratings, while others kept Buy ratings on the name. Newly-issued price targets range from $205 to $255. 
The weakness in Broadcom shares on Wednesday appears to be due to profit-taking in the wake of Broadcom&#8217;s incredible surge above the $1 trillion market cap mark. Broadcom shares hit new all-time highs this week, so the stock is likely to remain volatile as investors try to determine the appropriate value of the stock given the recent string of AI news.
It&#8217;s worth noting that Broadcom was among the top trending stocks on Reddit&#8217;s WallStreetBets on Wednesday, suggesting retail investors are also sizing up the name.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42531167/broadcom-dethrones-nvidia-as-ais-new-darling-valuation-multiple-suggests-ai-momentum-shift">Broadcom Outpaces Nvidia In AI Chip Stock Valuation Race: Is Investor Sentiment Shifting?</a>
AVGO Price Action: <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/avgo">Broadcom shares</a> were down 3.33% at $232.18 at the time of publication Wednesday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Shutterstock.

Movers

What's Going On With Broadcom Stock?

On Wednesday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced significant measures to protect consumers from deceptive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/credit-cards" rel="noreferrer noopener">credit card</a> practices and help them save money on interest and fees.
These efforts include issuing a circular to law enforcement agencies, publishing new research on retail credit cards, and launching a comparison tool to aid consumers in navigating the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-on-bait-and-switch-credit-card-rewards-tactics/" rel="noreferrer noopener">credit card market</a>.
Investors will closely watch credit card companies, including Visa Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), Mastercard Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>), American Express Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), Affirm Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), Corpay, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPAY#NYSE">CPAY</a>), Global Payments Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPN#NYSE">GPN</a>) and Shift4 Payments, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOUR#NYSE">FOUR</a>).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42553094/jabil-q1-earnings-tops-expectations-cloud-and-data-center-growth-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jabil Q1 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Beat, Cloud and Data Center Growth, Raises Annual Outlook</a>
According to the CFPB, some credit card issuers may be engaging in illegal practices such as devaluing rewards points or miles, making it difficult for consumers to redeem promised benefits.
The agency highlighted that companies could face penalties if they fail to deliver advertised rewards, mislead users with hidden terms, or revoke rewards through unclear policies.
The circular aims to deter companies from engaging in bait-and-switch tactics and to encourage fair competition within the credit card industry.
As part of its ongoing research, the CFPB discovered that retail credit cards often charge higher interest rates than general-purpose cards. According to the study, more than 90% of retail cards carry a maximum annual percentage rate (APR) above 30%, compared to just 38% for non-retail cards.
Retail cards, frequently promoted during peak shopping seasons, also account for a disproportionate share of late fees, highlighting potential consumer risks.
The CFPB unveiled its &#8220;Explore Credit Cards&#8221; tool to address these concerns, designed to provide unbiased information about over 500 credit cards. Unlike traditional comparison sites, this platform enables users to compare cards based on interest rates, fees, and rewards without pay-to-play promotions.
Earlier this year, the CFPB revealed that larger credit card issuers charge significantly higher interest rates than smaller banks and credit unions. By making average interest rate data publicly accessible, the CFPB aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions and find the best rates tailored to their needs.
The CFPB plans to continue monitoring the credit card market and welcomes voluntary data contributions from additional issuers to enhance its comparison tool further.
In October, the CFPB ordered Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) to pay <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41501333/apple-goldman-sachs-fined-89-million-over-apple-card-missteps-government-watchdog-orders-victim-comp" rel="noreferrer noopener">$89 million in fines</a> for deceptive practices regarding the Apple Card.
In December, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) Wealth Management agreed to pay a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42405341/morgan-stanley-agrees-to-pay-15m-penalty-to-settle-sec-charges-over-advisors-stealing-client-funds" rel="noreferrer noopener">$15 million fine</a> after the SEC found the firm failed to prevent financial advisors from using client funds to cover personal credit card bills. The SEC investigation uncovered gaps in supervisory practices between 2015 and 2022, allowing unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers to advisors&#8217; accounts.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/12/42552200/sony-semiconductor-hits-20-billion-image-sensor-shipments-plans-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sony Semiconductor Hits 20 Billion Image Sensor Shipments, Plans Expansion</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

CPAY

FOUR

Consumer Finance Watchdog Cracks Down on Credit Card Sneaky Fees and False Promises

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>12/20/24</td>
<td>$136.00</td>
<td>$41.2K</td>
<td>23.5K</td>
<td>87.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$252.50</td>
<td>$30.3K</td>
<td>11.8K</td>
<td>22.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>29.9K</td>
<td>8.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$166.6K</td>
<td>22.7K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SOUN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$46.0K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
<td>$27.3K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QUBT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$31.2K</td>
<td>892</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RGTI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$7.50</td>
<td>$57.0K</td>
<td>10.9K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$2.3 million</td>
<td>195</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TSM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$42.0K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>976</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 bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $136.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.2K, with a price of $206.0 per contract. There were 23547 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 87036 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 put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 295 contract(s) at a $252.50 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 $30.3K, with a price of $103.0 per contract. There were 11863 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 22435 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 40 contract(s) at a $110.00 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 $29.0K, with a price of $726.0 per contract. There were 29977 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8668 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 sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 300 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 26 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $166.6K, with a price of $556.0 per contract. There were 22774 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4487 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SOUN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 9 day(s) on December 27, 2024. Parties traded 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 $46.0K, with a price of $461.0 per contract. There were 3925 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3464 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 bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $390.00 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 $27.3K, with a price of $912.0 per contract. There were 1626 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3278 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding QUBT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.2K, with a price of $125.0 per contract. There were 892 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2416 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RGTI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 149 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $7.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.0K, with a price of $570.0 per contract. There were 10912 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1286 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 trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 303 day(s) on October 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1000 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $2.3 million, with a price of $2390.0 per contract. There were 195 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1000 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TSM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 9 day(s) on December 27, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $205.00 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 $42.0K, with a price of $420.0 per contract. There were 2077 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 976 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 about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

MSTR

QUBT

RGTI

SOUN

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

In today's rapidly changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, it is essential for investors and industry enthusiasts to thoroughly analyze companies. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) against its key competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry. By examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Apple Background</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.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc</td>
<td>41.69</td>
<td>67.28</td>
<td>9.99</td>
<td>23.83%</td>
<td>$32.5</td>
<td>$43.88</td>
<td>6.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co</td>
<td>11.16</td>
<td>1.13</td>
<td>0.96</td>
<td>5.72%</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>9.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetApp Inc</td>
<td>22.56</td>
<td>27.92</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>32.84%</td>
<td>$0.44</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>6.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Digital Corp</td>
<td>71.03</td>
<td>1.92</td>
<td>1.51</td>
<td>4.28%</td>
<td>$0.86</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>48.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pure Storage Inc</td>
<td>168.62</td>
<td>15.21</td>
<td>7.61</td>
<td>4.44%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>8.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc</td>
<td>16.82</td>
<td>3.62</td>
<td>1.36</td>
<td>6.68%</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>37.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastman Kodak Co</td>
<td>10.63</td>
<td>0.61</td>
<td>0.65</td>
<td>1.34%</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>-2.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turtle Beach Corp</td>
<td>53.87</td>
<td>3.29</td>
<td>0.99</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>59.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AstroNova Inc</td>
<td>26.67</td>
<td>1.11</td>
<td>0.67</td>
<td>0.26%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>7.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>47.67</td>
<td>6.85</td>
<td>2.22</td>
<td>7.36%</td>
<td>$0.38</td>
<td>$0.8</td>
<td>21.95%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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 font-size: 14px;
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 </style>After a detailed analysis of Apple, the following trends become apparent: 
<ul>
<li>
The Price to Earnings ratio of 41.69 is 0.87x lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 67.28, which is 9.82x the industry average, Apple might be considered overvalued in terms of its book value, as it is trading at a higher multiple compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
The Price to Sales ratio of 9.99, which is 4.5x the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
The company has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.83%, which is 16.47% above the industry average. This suggests efficient use of equity to generate profits and demonstrates profitability and growth potential.
</li>
<li>
The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $32.5 Billion, which is 85.53x above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $43.88 Billion, which indicates 54.85x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 6.07% is significantly below the industry average of 21.95%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734534027_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a measure that indicates the level of debt a company has taken on relative to the value of its assets net of liabilities.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By considering the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Apple can be compared to its top 4 peers, leading to the following observations:
<ul>
<li>
When compared to its top 4 peers, Apple has a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87.
</li>
<li>
This implies that the company maintains a balanced financial structure with a reasonable level of debt and an appropriate reliance on equity financing.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry, the PE ratio is low compared to peers, indicating potential undervaluation. The high PB and PS ratios suggest that the market values Apple's assets and sales highly. Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, and gross profit reflect strong profitability, while the low revenue growth may indicate a need for expansion strategies to align with industry trends.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Market Analysis: Apple And Competitors In Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals Industry

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) may be riding high with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL/news">$253.48 stock price</a>, but the iPhone 16 cycle is showing signs of stumbling, according to JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee.
The latest Wave7 Research survey paints a mixed picture, with iPhone market share trailing behind the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 cycles during the critical October to November period. Despite a seasonally better month, the iPhone 16 cycle's market share clocks in at 66%, down from 69% in 2023 and 70% in 2022.
The likely culprit? There is a lack of buzz around Apple Intelligence, the tech giant's much-touted new feature. Carrier store reps say consumer awareness is still alarmingly low—67% of reps surveyed reported "low" awareness, while just 10% called it "high." So much for artificial intelligence leading a real upgrade cycle.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42545936/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-and-s25-leaks-show-off-sleek-curved-design-and-slimmer-bezels-than-apples-iphone-16-pro-max">Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra And S25+ Leaks Feature Sleek Curved Design And Slimmer Bezels Than Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16 Pro Max</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Apple Pro Max Powers Ahead, Leaving The Plus In The Dust</h3>
While the overall iPhone 16 cycle may be underwhelming, the high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max is stealing the spotlight, leading sales across all carriers with an impressive 19% share. It's clear that Apple's premium strategy is paying off at the top end of the spectrum, even as the 16 Plus struggles with a mere 7% share.
The Samsung S24 Ultra outshone Apple's iPhone 16 Pro/Max in photography chops, with its superior range and resolution earning 50% of the votes. Apple trailed with 30%, barely edging out Google's Pixel 9 Pro/XL at 18%.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next For Apple?</h3>
While Apple Intelligence hasn't captured the public imagination yet, Apple's loyal base and robust sales of high-end models suggest the potential for a second wind. 
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42548075/us-stock-markets-outsized-influence-resurges-as-it-dominates-two-thirds-of-msci-world-indexs-capitalization-mirroring-late-1980s-peak">US Stocks Led By Apple, Nvidia, And Other Tech Giants Dominate Nearly Two-Thirds Of MSCI World Index, Drawing Parallels To 1980s Peak</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Courtesy of Apple

Apple's iPhone 16 Stumbles On 'Intelligence' Awareness, But Pro Max Shines Bright: Analyst

On Wednesday, Sony Group Corp&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductor division</a> announced it accomplished a significant milestone by shipping over 20 billion image sensors.
Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing accomplished the feat in just five years after reaching 10 billion units in May 2019.
In <a target="_blank" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/Sony-chip-unit-speeds-to-20bn-image-sensor-shipments" rel="noreferrer noopener">an interview with</a> Nikkei, President Yoshihiro Yamaguchi highlighted Sony&#8217;s ambition to lead advancements in the image sensor sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;
According to Yamaguchi, Sony shows no signs of slowing its progress. A new manufacturing facility is under construction in Japan&#8217;s Kumamoto prefecture, a growing hub for the chip industry.
Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing initially entered the market with CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensors in the 1980s before transitioning to CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) technology.
A Verge <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/24/24205167/apple-iphone-camera-supplier-samsung-camera-sensor-ultra-wide-sony" rel="noreferrer noopener">report indicated</a> Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) transition to using Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) camera sensors for its iPhones as early as 2026, potentially ending Sony&#8217;s over-decade-long role as the exclusive supplier of iPhone camera sensors.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said upcoming iPhones could feature Samsung&#8217;s &#8220;1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors.&#8221; However, whether Samsung will replace Sony with other camera components remains to be seen.
In November, Sony reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41841647/sonys-q2-profit-surges-on-gaming-and-sensor-gains-but-ps5-sales-decline-raises-full-year-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal second-quarter 2024</a> sales&nbsp;growth&nbsp;of 3% to $19.44 billion (2.91 trillion Japanese yen), missing the&nbsp;consensus estimate of&nbsp;$19.62 billion.&nbsp;EPS of $0.37 (55.74 yen) beat the&nbsp;consensus estimate of $0.27.
Imaging &amp; Sensing Solutions revenue grew by 32%&nbsp;to 535.6 billion yen, and operating income climbed by 99%&nbsp;to 92.4 billion yen, backed by higher sales of image sensors for mobile products.
Sony Group stock surged 26% year-to-date.
Price Action: SONY stock is down 0.83% at $21.55 premarket at last check Wednesday.
Photo by Safaraz Yusuf via Shutterstock

Emerging Markets

Media

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

SSNLF

Sony Semiconductor Hits 20 Billion Image Sensor Shipments, Plans Expansion

The U.S. has the world&#8217;s largest companies by market capitalization and about two-thirds of the MSCI World Index is dominated by companies based out of America.
What Happened: U.S.-based companies ranking among the world&#8217;s top ten firms by market capitalization include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</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>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>).
These magnificent seven firms along with Broadcom are the beneficiaries of the U.S. tech and AI boom. The remaining two non-U.S. firms that make up the top ten include Saudi Arabian Oil Co and Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg Co Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSMC#NYSE">TSMC</a>).
According to an X post by Kevin Gordon, director and senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab, &#8220;Such an imbalance has not been seen since the late 1980s.&#8221; The data shared by him shows nine out of the top ten companies by market capitalization were based out of the U.S. in the 1980s.
"…the US, with 4% of the world's population, roughly a quarter of global GDP and a third of global profits, now accounts for more than two-thirds of the MSCI World index's capitalization. Such an imbalance has not been seen since the late 1980s…,&#8221; he said.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"…the US, with 4% of the world's population, roughly a quarter of global GDP and a third of global profits, now accounts for more than two-thirds of the MSCI World index's capitalization. Such an imbalance has not been seen since the late 1980s…" ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Gavekal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gavekal</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/OKO0XCPld5">pic.twitter.com/OKO0XCPld5</a>
&mdash; Kevin Gordon (@KevRGordon) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevRGordon/status/1868748830851633403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: Additionally, the top ten constituents in the MSCI World index are U.S.-based firms. This index captures 1,397 large and mid-cap companies across 23 developed markets.
According <a href="https://www.msci.com/documents/10199/178e6643-6ae6-47b9-82be-e1fc565ededb">to</a> MSCI&#8217;s latest release, dated Nov. 29, the U.S. has a weightage of 73.92% in the index, followed by Japan with 5.23%, the United Kingdom with 3.44%, Canada with 3.1% and France with 2.5%.
The index has the highest exposure of 25.29% to information technology companies, followed by 16.3% to financial firms.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/24/12/42513306/elon-musks-tesla-nearly-5-times-more-expensive-than-industry-average-stock-surges-over-60-since-election">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Nearly 5 Times More Expensive Than Industry Average: Stock Surges Over 60% Since Election</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

US Stocks Led By Apple, Nvidia, And Other Tech Giants Dominate Nearly Two-Thirds Of MSCI World Index, Drawing Parallels To 1980s Peak

New leaks have emerged, offering a glimpse into the design of the upcoming Samsung Electronics Co.'s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25+.
What Happened: Images shared by Evan Blass on a private X, formerly Twitter, account showcase the Galaxy S25 Ultra&#8217;s sleek curved corners and notably thin display bezels, <a href="https://9to5google.com/2024/12/17/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-bezels-corners-leak/">reported</a> 9To5Google.
The device is depicted running One UI 7, although further details remain scarce from the images alone.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra&#8217;s bezels are reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39129016/iphone-16-destined-to-have-the-worlds-thinest-bezels-new-leak-reveals-it-could-outshine-current-reco">thinner than those</a> on Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) iPhone 16 Pro Max.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42499609/micron-gets-investment-from-white-house-china-launches-antitrust-investigation-on-nvidia-apple-faces-1-2-billion-lawsuit-in-california-more-consumer-tech-news-december-9-13?itm_source=parsely-api">Micron Gets Investment From White House, China Launches Antitrust Investigation On Nvidia, Apple Faces $1</a>
The Galaxy S25+ images, posted by the handle Jukanlosreve, suggest minimal changes in hardware design compared to its predecessor.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17231225/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-9.42.12%E2%80%AFAM-1024x820.png" alt="" class="wp-image-696953" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: X</figcaption></figure>
The device features a prominent mmWave window and a slightly modified camera module, maintaining a similar overall appearance to the previous model.
These leaks suggest a significant design shift, featuring curved corners and slimmer bezels, moving away from the previous squared-off aesthetic.
The Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to launch on Jan. 22 next year.
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Counterpoint Research stated in May that Samsung&#8217;s Galaxy S24 series dominated the GenAI-capable smartphone market in the first quarter of 2024.
The South Korean smartphone manufacturer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41645191/samsung-profits-soar-but-companys-nvidia-ai-chip-race-lag-allows-sk-hynix-micron-to-take-the-lead-in">reported a net income of 9.78 trillion won</a> ($7.1 billion) for the quarter ending in September.
By the third quarter of 2024, Samsung Electronics&#8217; Mobile Experience (MX) division generated roughly $21.6 billion, according to Statista, making it the largest revenue contributor.
However, Samsung is facing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40812318/samsung-to-reportedly-slash-global-workforce-by-up-to-30-in-certain-divisions-amid-intense-competiti">intense competition</a> from both Apple and China&#8217;s Huawei Technologies.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42499566/google-willow-nvidias-china-troubles-trump-on-ai-and-more-this-week-in-artificial-intelligence?itm_source=parsely-api">Google Willow, Nvidia&#8217;s China Troubles, Trump On AI, And More: This Week In Artificial Intelligence</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra And S25+ Leaks Feature Sleek Curved Design And Slimmer Bezels Than Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max

The performance gap between the cap-weighted S&amp;P 500 — tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) — and its equal-weighted sibling, the Invesco S&amp;P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RSP#NYSE">RSP</a>), has blown out to over 4 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">percentage points in December. </a>
This marks the widest monthly gap since May 2023, reflecting how a narrow group of stocks is shouldering the market's returns in the last month of the year. 
As of Dec. 17, only 90 out of 500 stocks in the S&amp;P 500 are in positive territory month-to-date, a shockingly narrow market breadth.
Excluding Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), all of the Magnificent Seven stocks — Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), 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 Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) — have posted gains this month.
If Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), which recently surpassed the $1 trillion market-cap threshold, is added to the mix, an equal-weighted portfolio of these eight stocks has already delivered a stunning 16% return so far in December.
That stands in stark contrast to the broader market's struggles as the equal-weighted S&amp;P 500 index fell by 3% month to date. 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Price Chg. % (MTD)</th>
<th>Market Cap ($)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom Inc.</td>
<td>48.27</td>
<td>1.12 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla, Inc.</td>
<td>37.03</td>
<td>1.52 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alphabet Inc.</td>
<td>16.72</td>
<td>2.43 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com, Inc.</td>
<td>11.18</td>
<td>2.43 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Platforms, Inc.</td>
<td>9.15</td>
<td>1.58 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corporation</td>
<td>7.25</td>
<td>3.38 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc.</td>
<td>6.52</td>
<td>3.82 trillion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVIDIA Corporation</td>
<td>-5.94</td>
<td>3.18 trillion</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tfoot>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>16.26%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tfoot>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Weak Breadth: Bad Sign Or Hidden Opportunity?</h3>
Ryan Detrick, CMT, chief market strategist at Carson Group LLC, highlighted a notable trend. 
The S&amp;P 500 has now posted 11 consecutive days of more decliners than advancers, tying the longest streak since 1996. 
While many investors might view this as a bearish signal, historical data paints a surprisingly different picture.
"Many claim this is bearish, but is it?" Detrick stated. "Looking at the longest streaks ever actually appears to be rather bullish. Significant outperformance across the board out one year."
Here's how the S&amp;P 500 performed historically following similar stretches of negative breadth:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Days of Negative Breadth</th>
<th>1-Month</th>
<th>3-Months</th>
<th>6-Months</th>
<th>1-Year</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>9/10/1991</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>-2.1%</td>
<td>-1.4%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
<td>7.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6/20/1996</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>-4.3%</td>
<td>3.2%</td>
<td>10.5%</td>
<td>35.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12/24/2018</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>13.3%</td>
<td>19.3%</td>
<td>23.9%</td>
<td>37.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
<td>4.8%</td>
<td>8.6%</td>
<td>14.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>All Years Avg</td>
<td>(1950–2023)</td>
<td>0.7%</td>
<td>2.2%</td>
<td>4.4%</td>
<td>9.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Notably, the historical data shows that returns tend to improve significantly over the next year, with 87.5% of cases showing positive performance after a prolonged stretch of weak breadth.
In essence, bad breadth doesn't necessarily spell bad news. If history holds, weak market participation could signal stronger returns ahead.
Yet investors may have to deal with an increase in volatility and potential for sharp pullbacks.
Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial, took a more pessimistic view on the S&amp;P 500's 11-day streak of decliners outpacing gainers.
&#8220;The last time this occurred was on June 20, 1996 — only days before a sharp 10% drawdown over the following month that ended almost directly on support from the rising 200-dma. While this does not imply a market top or even correction is imminent, it does add to the evidence of potentially weak footing underneath this latest advance,&#8221; he stated. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Growth Sectors Shine, But Broader Rebounds Possible</h3>
The performance story has become sharply sector-specific. 
Stephen Suttmeier, CFA, CMT, analyst at Bank of America, indicated that December's gains have been heavily concentrated in growth sectors, such as Discretionary, Communications Services and Technology.
"All other sectors showed a negative performance," Suttmeier said, highlighting the underperformance of the equal-weighted S&amp;P 500 ETF (RSP). Yet, he remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting of potential &#8220;rebounds into year-end for both the NYSE Composite Index (NYA) and RSP."
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</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

Rydex ETF Trust Rydex S&P Equal Weight ETF

Market Breadth Worsens As Tech Giants Break Free From S&P 500 Reality: Is This Bullish Or Bearish For 2025?

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. 
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>12/20/24</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$32.1K</td>
<td>53.8K</td>
<td>106.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QBTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$9.00</td>
<td>$40.0K</td>
<td>805</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$109.00</td>
<td>$66.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IMMR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$63.1K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$76.8K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>899</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$245.00</td>
<td>$56.7K</td>
<td>29.4K</td>
<td>858</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MNDY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$61.2K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>771</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$65.0K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td>770</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CTSH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$206.4K</td>
<td>212</td>
<td>635</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$140.0K</td>
<td>5.7K</td>
<td>622</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 call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 99 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.1K, with a price of $325.0 per contract. There were 53837 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 106117 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding QBTS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NYSE">QBTS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 10 day(s) on December 27, 2024. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $9.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 37 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.0K, with a price of $80.0 per contract. There were 805 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3462 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 3 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $109.00 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 $66.7K, with a price of $670.0 per contract. There were 1394 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1799 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For IMMR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IMMR#NASDAQ">IMMR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 66 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 468 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 27 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.1K, with a price of $135.0 per contract. There were 5573 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1366 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 put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 185 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 63 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $76.8K, with a price of $1220.0 per contract. There were 3541 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 899 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 31 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $245.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.7K, with a price of $1135.0 per contract. There were 29429 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 858 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MNDY (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNDY#NASDAQ">MNDY</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 31 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 101 contract(s) at a $280.00 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 $61.2K, with a price of $600.0 per contract. There were 1382 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 771 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 3 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $350.00 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 $65.0K, with a price of $650.0 per contract. There were 4113 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 770 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CTSH (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTSH#NASDAQ">CTSH</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 121 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 600 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $206.4K, with a price of $344.0 per contract. There were 212 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 635 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 94 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 70 contract(s) at a $250.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $140.0K, with a price of $2000.0 per contract. There were 5725 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 622 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 about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CTSH

IMMR

MNDY

QBTS

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

Good Morning Traders! In today&#8217;s Market Clubhouse Morning Memo, we will discuss SPY, QQQ, AAPL, MSFT, NVDA, GOOGL, META, and TSLA.
Our proprietary formula, exclusive to Market Clubhouse, dictates these price levels. This dynamic equation takes into account price, volume, and options flow. These levels are updated every day and shared with all Clubhouse Members, prior to the opening of the market.
We recommend closely monitoring these stocks, and be prepared to leverage potential breakouts or reversals. As always, stay alert and ready to adjust your tactics based on the market&#8217;s pulse to optimize your trading gains. Now, let&#8217;s dive into the stock analysis:
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)
The SPY is currently trading around our critical level of 605.41. Bulls will want to see a steady push above 606.34 and hold this level as firm support. If buyers maintain control, we expect momentum to carry the price toward 607.55. A successful hold at 607.55 could encourage further bullish activity, pushing SPY up to 608.35. If buying strength persists, the high bull target for the session is set at 609.33.
Should 605.41 fail to hold as support, bears will aim to drive the auction lower to 604.45. Increased selling pressure could lead to a test of 603.38. If sellers maintain dominance and break through 603.38, we have strong support at 602.37. In the event of an aggressive selloff, our low bear target for SPY on the day is 601.22.
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)
The QQQ is auctioning around the key level of 536.95. Bulls will look for this level to hold firm as support, allowing buyers to target 539.02 as the next upside level. A decisive break above 539.02 may bring 540.60 into play. Continued upward momentum and strength could test higher at 542.31. If the auction remains bullish, the high bull target for the session is 543.58.
If 536.95 fails to hold during regular trading hours, bears will take the opportunity to push the price lower to 535.30. Continued weakness could lead to a test of 533.70. If sellers are persistent and break through this level, we anticipate a move toward 532.52. Failure at 532.52 may open the door for bears to push QQQ down to the low bear target of 530.70.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)
Apple is currently auctioning near our support level of 250.39. Bulls need to hold this level and push higher to test 252.13 as the next area of interest. A strong move above 252.13 could lead to further upside momentum, targeting 253.90. If buyers remain in control, we expect a rally toward our high bull target of 256.09 for the session.
If 250.39 fails as support during the session, sellers will aim to drive the price lower toward 249.04. Continued bearish pressure may bring 248.12 into focus. If this level breaks under heavy selling, the bears will look to push Apple further down to 246.72. In a more aggressive selloff scenario, the low bear target for the day is 245.58.
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)
Microsoft is auctioning near the key support level of 450.26. Bulls will aim to defend this level and push higher to test 453.02 as the next upside objective. If buyers succeed in holding above 453.02, we anticipate a rally toward 455.77. Sustained bullish momentum could see the auction push up to the high bull target for the session at 457.25.
On the downside, if 450.26 fails to hold as support, sellers will look to test the strength of 448.18. Continued bearish control could lead to a breakdown to 446.33. Should sellers intensify their push lower, the price may move to 444.95. A particularly weak session could see Microsoft reach the low bear target of 442.95.
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) NVIDIA is currently auctioning around the key level of 129.53. Bulls need to push higher and reclaim 131.42 as a solid level of support. If buying strength continues, the next level to watch is 132.19. A sustained rally could lead to a push toward 133.31. If bulls remain in control, our high bull target for the day is set at 134.56.
If 129.53 fails to hold as support, bears will look to test lower at 128.10. Continued selling could bring 126.84 into play as the next downside target. If weakness persists and sellers dominate the session, we anticipate a test of 125.21. In a more aggressive sell-side scenario, the low bear target for NVIDIA is 123.41.
Alphabet Inc Class A (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)
Alphabet is auctioning around the critical level of 196.25. Bulls will look to defend this level and push the price toward 196.97 as the next upside objective. Continued strength could lead to a test of 197.79, which serves as our high bull target for the session.
Should 196.25 fail as support, sellers will aim to push Alphabet lower to 195.41. If this level breaks, bears will likely test 194.34. In the case of further downside momentum, we expect the auction to move toward our low bear target for the day at 193.14.
Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)
Meta is trading around 622.01, a critical level for bulls to maintain. If this support holds, a push toward 629.88 could be expected. Continued buying pressure might lead to a test of 635.49, with further bullish momentum bringing the high bull target of 642.59 into play.
If 622.01 breaks as support, bears could drive the price down to 615.65. Further selling might target 609.30, with heavy bearish momentum potentially taking Meta to the low bear target at 604.50.
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)
Tesla is currently auctioning around our key level of 471.48. Bulls need to push higher and reclaim 480.83 as a firm level of support. Continued strength in the broader market could see Tesla rally toward 492.46. If buying accelerates, the next upside target to watch is 502.25. The high bull target for Tesla today is 511.58.
On the downside, if 471.48 is lost, bears will aim for a move lower to 462.12. Further selling could bring 454.90 into play. Should this level fail to hold, sellers may target Tesla down to the low bear level of 448.48 during the session.
Final Word:&nbsp; Today's trading session features several key economic reports that could influence market sentiment. At 8:30 AM ET, we'll see the release of November's Advance Retail Sales alongside the New York Fed Services Business Activity report for December. Canadian CPI data for November will also be released at the same time, which could impact broader markets.
Later, at 9:15 AM ET, we'll get updates on Industrial Production, Capacity Utilization, and Manufacturing Production, providing insights into the health of the manufacturing sector. At 10:00 AM ET, Business Inventories for October and the NAHB Housing Market Index for December will be released. These data points will give a clearer picture of economic momentum heading into year-end.
A notable event to watch this afternoon is the 20-Year Bond Auction at 1:00 PM ET, which could lead to shifts in the bond market and potentially impact equities. Today's session is expected to bring heightened volatility as traders position ahead of tomorrow's FOMC rate decision. Be ready for swift market movements, manage risk carefully, and stay prepared to act on key economic updates. Good luck, and trade with discipline!
The Morning Memo is curated by RIPS, a pro trader with years of experience in equities, options, and futures trading. RIPS is at the heart of the exclusive Market Clubhouse community, offering his insights, expertise, and real-time mentorship.
Start your day with a live daily market analysis, a carefully selected watch list, early access to the Morning Memo, and exclusive Market Clubhouse price levels, providing precise support and resistance indicators. When you become a member of Market Clubhouse, you will gain early access to the Morning Memo, just like this one, every single day—hours before it&#8217;s published. You will also have access to a live stream with zero latency and screen sharing, enabling you to witness Rips executing his trades in real-time and sharing his exclusive trading plans, strategies, and live decision-making.
For a limited time during our special promotion, you can join RIPS and get a full access pass to Market Clubhouse for 7 full days for just $7. Check it out at <a href="https://marketclubhouse.club/7Days/" title="https://marketclubhouse.club/7Days/">https://marketclubhouse.club/7Days/</a> where you can trade live with him and tap into his wealth of knowledge and experience. You can also catch Rips on his live day trading streams every Monday-Friday at 8 am EST on the Market Clubhouse YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MarketClubhouse" title="https://www.youtube.com/@MarketClubhouse">https://www.youtube.com/@MarketClubhouse</a>.

Market Clubhouse Morning Memo - December 17th, 2024 (Trade Strategy For SPY, QQQ, AAPL, MSFT, NVDA, GOOGL, META and TSLA)

In today's rapidly changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, it is essential for investors and industry enthusiasts to thoroughly analyze companies. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) against its key competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry. By examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Apple Background</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.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc</td>
<td>41.29</td>
<td>66.63</td>
<td>9.89</td>
<td>23.83%</td>
<td>$32.5</td>
<td>$43.88</td>
<td>6.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co</td>
<td>11.32</td>
<td>1.14</td>
<td>0.97</td>
<td>5.72%</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>9.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetApp Inc</td>
<td>23.22</td>
<td>28.74</td>
<td>4.12</td>
<td>32.84%</td>
<td>$0.44</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>6.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Digital Corp</td>
<td>71.76</td>
<td>1.94</td>
<td>1.52</td>
<td>4.28%</td>
<td>$0.86</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>48.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pure Storage Inc</td>
<td>170.77</td>
<td>15.40</td>
<td>7.71</td>
<td>4.44%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>8.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc</td>
<td>16.65</td>
<td>3.58</td>
<td>1.35</td>
<td>6.68%</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>37.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastman Kodak Co</td>
<td>10.64</td>
<td>0.61</td>
<td>0.65</td>
<td>1.34%</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>-2.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turtle Beach Corp</td>
<td>55.39</td>
<td>3.39</td>
<td>1.02</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>59.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Immersion Corp</td>
<td>5.42</td>
<td>1.01</td>
<td>1.93</td>
<td>13.41%</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>1323.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AstroNova Inc</td>
<td>27.45</td>
<td>1.14</td>
<td>0.69</td>
<td>0.26%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>7.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>43.62</td>
<td>6.33</td>
<td>2.22</td>
<td>8.03%</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$0.72</td>
<td>166.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>When conducting a detailed analysis of Apple, the following trends become clear: 
<ul>
<li>
At 41.29, the stock's Price to Earnings ratio is 0.95x less than the industry average, suggesting favorable growth potential.
</li>
<li>
The elevated Price to Book ratio of 66.63 relative to the industry average by 10.53x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
</li>
<li>
The Price to Sales ratio of 9.89, which is 4.45x the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.83% that is 15.8% above the industry average, it appears that the company exhibits efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
The Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $32.5 Billion is 95.59x above the industry average, highlighting stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $43.88 Billion, which indicates 60.94x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
With a revenue growth of 6.07%, which is much lower than the industry average of 166.6%, the company is experiencing a notable slowdown in sales expansion.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734447627_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is an important measure to assess the financial structure and risk profile of a company.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By evaluating Apple against its top 4 peers in terms of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following observations arise:
<ul>
<li>
Among its top 4 peers, Apple is placed in the middle with a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87.
</li>
<li>
This implies a balanced financial structure, with a reasonable proportion of debt and equity.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry, the PE, PB, and PS ratios indicate that the stock is relatively undervalued compared to its peers. However, the high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and low revenue growth suggest that Apple is efficiently utilizing its resources and generating strong profits, despite slower revenue growth. Overall, Apple's financial performance is solid, with room for potential growth in the future.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Comparing Apple With Industry Competitors In Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals Industry

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) shares closed higher, surging to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42513402/apples-2025-bull-case-can-it-deliver-without-riding-the-ai-wave">fresh highs on Monday</a>.
JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee shone a spotlight on Apple&#8217;s prospects for 2025, crafting a dual-path thesis: a bullish case with AI-powered upgrades and another without the AI buzz.
While Apple Intelligence could drive the iPhone 17 cycle and Services revenue, Chatterjee insisted the bull case doesn&#8217;t hinge solely on AI — Apple&#8217;s premium ecosystem, margins and Services growth could carry the torch.
With the recent buzz around Apple ahead of quarterly earnings, some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends too. As of now, Apple offers an annual dividend yield of 0.40%, which is a quarterly dividend amount of 25 cents per share ($1.00 a year).
To figure out how to earn $500 monthly from Apple, we start with the yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months).
Next, we take this amount and divide it by Apple's $1.00 dividend: $6,000 / $1.00 = 6,000 shares.
So, an investor would need to own approximately $1,506,240 worth of Apple, or 6,000 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500.
Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $1.00 = 1,200 shares, or $301,248 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100.
Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, as the dividend payment and the stock price both fluctuate over time.
The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the current stock price. As the stock price changes, the dividend yield will also change.
For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and its current price is $50, its dividend yield would be 4%. However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield would decrease to 3.33% ($2/$60).
Conversely, if the stock price decreases to $40, the dividend yield would increase to 5% ($2/$40).
Further, the dividend payment itself can also change over time, which can also impact the dividend yield. If a company increases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will increase even if the stock price remains the same. Similarly, if a company decreases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will decrease.
AAPL Price Action: Shares of Apple gained by 1.2% to close at $251.04 on Monday.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
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Read More: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42509800/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-give-their-take-on-3-financial-stocks-delivering-high-dividend-yields-2">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Financial Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields</a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

Dividends

How To Earn $500 A Month From Apple Stock

The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints against Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), accusing the company of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities" rel="noreferrer noopener"> using conflict minerals</a>. The complaints are filed against Apple's subsidiaries in France and Belgium, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/congo-files-criminal-complaints-against-apple-europe-over-conflict-minerals-2024-12-17/" rel="noreferrer noopener">per</a> a Reuters report.
What happened? Lawyers representing the Congolese government revealed the legal action against Apple France, Apple Retail France, and Apple Retail Belgium.
These complaints, prepared by the firm Amsterdam &amp; Partners, came after months of investigation that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38989518/apple-supply-chain-includes-blood-minerals-from-congo-lawyers" rel="noreferrer noopener">began earlier this year</a>. Robert Amsterdam, known for his involvement in international litigation and emerging markets, called this action the "first salvo."
The complaints allege that Apple is complicit in laundering minerals sourced from conflict zones, covering up war crimes, handling stolen goods, and misleading consumers about its supply chain practices.
"It is clear that the Apple group, Apple France, and Apple Retail France know very well that their mineral supply chain relies on systemic wrongdoing," the French complaint states.
According to the Reuters report, Christophe Marchand, a lawyer representing Congo, pointed out Belgium's moral responsibility due to its colonial past in Congo.
The judicial systems in both nations will decide whether to advance these complaints. Benzinga has contacted Apple for comment on this report.
Why it matters? Eastern Congo has long been marred by conflict fueled by competition over mineral wealth, particularly tin, tantalum, tungsten (3T minerals), and gold. Armed groups control many artisanal mines, using profits from smuggled minerals to fund violence and forced labor.&nbsp; As these minerals are critical components in electronics, the region's instability is a global concern.
Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department <a target="_blank" href="https://www.state.gov/statement-of-concern-related-to-certain-minerals-supply-chains-from-rwanda-and-eastern-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-contributing-to-the-ongoing-conflict/" rel="noreferrer noopener">acknowledged the issue</a>, clarifying that the steps taken to help curb the illicit flows of these minerals include encouraging responsible investment in and sourcing from the region and identifying stronger due diligence mechanisms.
Despite Apple's claims of strict oversight, issues in regional supply chains raise questions. Apple's 2023<a target="_blank" href="https://www.supplychainreports.apple/files/doc_downloads/2024/04/Apple-Conflict-Minerals-Report.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener"> conflict minerals report</a> stated that 100% of identified smelters and refiners in its supply chain for 3T minerals and gold underwent independent third-party audits.
However, U.S. <a target="_blank" href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-tantalum.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from 2021</a> revealed that Rwanda accounted for 15% of the global tantalum supply despite modest production capacities. This discrepancy suggests that smuggled Congolese minerals may be falsely labeled as Rwandan.
Price Action: AAPL stock is down by 0.33% to $250.21 premarket at the last check on Monday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42506074/mexico-and-el-salvador-ponder-different-mining-stances" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico And El Salvador Ponder Different Mining Stances</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Commodities

Legal

DR Congo Fires 'First Salvo,' Files Complaints Against Apple Over Conflict Minerals

U.S. stock futures declined on Tuesday in premarket hours as Wall Street awaits <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/federal-reserve">Federal Reserve</a>&#8216;s final interest rate decision for the current year and its monetary policy forecasts for 2025.
On Monday, the tech-heavy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42515044/broadcom-tesla-propel-nasdaq-100-gains-bitcoin-hits-107000-fueling-crypto-stocks-rally-whats-driving-markets-monday">Nasdaq 100 set a new record high</a> and crossed the 22,000-point milestone, whereas Dow Jones fell for eight sessions. The futures of all four major indices were trading lower.
The 10-year and two-year Treasury notes yielded 4.42% and 4.27%, respectively. The Federal Open Market Committee will begin its two-day meeting, later in the day.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42522084/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-settle-down-amid-growing-talks-of-a-strategic-btc-reserve-top-analyst-sees-prospect-of-apex-crypto-hitting-110k-this-week">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Settle Down Amid Growing Talks Of A Strategic BTC Reserve: Top Analyst Sees Prospect Of Apex Crypto Hitting $110K This Week</a>
It is widely expected to announce another interest rate reduction at the conclusion of their meeting on Wednesday. The probability of a further 25 basis point rate cut in December was at 96.3% versus 61.9% probability a month ago, according to <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">CME Group&#8217;s FedWatch tool</a>.
If the Fed cuts rates, it would be the third consecutive cut, bringing the federal funds rate down from its current level of 4.50% to 4.75%. Following the meeting, Chairman Jerome Powell&#8216;s remarks will be closely scrutinized by market participants.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>-0.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-0.10%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Tuesday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was down 0.24% to $605.36 and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) fell 0.087% to $537.70, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Cues From The Last Session
Tech stocks continued their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42515044/broadcom-tesla-propel-nasdaq-100-gains-bitcoin-hits-107000-fueling-crypto-stocks-rally-whats-driving-markets-monday">upward trajectory</a> on Monday, with the Nasdaq 100 index surging over 1.4%. Key index components drove this rally.
Broadcom Inc. led the charge, skyrocketing over 11% after receiving favorable analyst ratings. The company&#8217;s AI-driven growth potential was further bolstered by its recent announcement of a partnership with Apple Inc. to develop a cutting-edge AI chip.
Tesla Inc also experienced significant gains, climbing more than 6%. This surge extended its post-election rally, fueled by positive analyst sentiment. Wedbush Securities highlighted Tesla&#8217;s potential as a &#8220;game-changer&#8221; in AI and autonomous driving under the Trump administration.
Other indices also saw positive momentum, with the Russell 2000 rising 0.64% and the S&amp;P 500 edging up 0.38%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.25%, primarily due to losses in the energy and healthcare sectors.
On the economic front, private-sector surveys indicated a stronger-than-expected rebound in December activity. The services sector PMI soared to 58.5, marking the highest level since October 2021. The Composite PMI also climbed to 56.6, its best reading since April 2022, as robust growth in services offset continued weakness in manufacturing.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>1.24%</td>
<td>20,173.89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>0.38%</td>
<td>6,074.08</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.25%</td>
<td>43,717.48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>0.64%</td>
<td>2,361.99</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<ul>
<li>See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42515044/broadcom-tesla-propel-nasdaq-100-gains-bitcoin-hits-107000-fueling-crypto-stocks-rally-whats-driving-markets-monday">Broadcom, Tesla Propel Nasdaq 100 Gains, Bitcoin Hits $107,000, Fuels Crypto Stocks Rally: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Monday?</a></li>
</ul>
Insights From Analysts
As the market continues to exhibit resilience, driven by hopes of AI-led growth and reduced regulatory hurdles, the actual economic impact of AI adoption is still some time away, said Jeremy Siegel. &#8220;This disconnect between potential and reality allows the bullish sentiment surrounding the sector to persist,&#8221; he added.
Siegel is a senior economist at WisdomTree and emeritus professor of finance at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
&#8220;A rotation into neglected areas of the market, such as value or small-cap stocks, could materialize in 2025 if regulatory reforms and easing financial conditions create a more favorable backdrop for these non-tech segments. Investors should remain vigilant as tech valuations climb further, with an eye toward rebalancing opportunities early next year,&#8221; Siegel wrote in his weekly market commentary.
The chief market strategist at Carson Group, Ryan Detrick spoke about the continued skewness in the market breadth, in an X post. He asked a rhetorical question &#8220;Many claim this (trend) is bearish, but is it?&#8221;
According to the data shared by him, the last time market breadth was in the favour of decliners for 11 days, the index rose by 35.6% over the next year.
&#8220;Looking at the longest streaks ever actually appears to be rather bullish. Significant outperformance across the board out one year,&#8221; he added.
<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">11 days in a row with more decliners than advancers on the S&amp;P 500, ties longest streak since 1990. Many claim this is bearish, but is it? Looking at the longest streaks ever actually appears to be rather bullish. Significant outperformance across the board out one year. &#x1f914; <a href="https://t.co/mgDJ0wVlYY">pic.twitter.com/mgDJ0wVlYY</a>
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1868864558728986744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Upcoming Economic Data
Important data is slated to be released this week that will help investors determine the future course of action.
<ul>
<li>On Tuesday, U.S. retail sales data for November will be announced at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The industrial production and capacity utilization data for November will be announced at 9:15 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The home builder confidence index data will be released for December at 10:00 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>And, lastly, the Federal Open Market Committee meeting will begin on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Sealsq Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAES#NASDAQ">LAES</a>) rose 25.31% in premarket after it announced that institutional investors will sell 7,692,308 ordinary shares of the company at $1.30 per share in a registered direct offering, expected to close on Dec. 16.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was up 2.63%, continuing its momentum from yesterday after receiving an upgrade in its price target by Wedbush Securities.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) was down 2.08% after CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer cautioned investors, saying that a &#8220;reversal&#8221; will happen and it will be a &#8220;vicious&#8221; one.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>D-Wave Quantum Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NYSE">QBTS</a>) was up 5.12% after CEO Alan Baratz highlighted it&#8217;s leadership in quantum computing, emphasizing their focus on delivering real-world value to customers through annealing quantum computing.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Quantum Computing Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>) was up 4.69% after it recently announced its second purchase order for its thin-film lithium niobate photonic chip foundry from the University of Texas, Austin.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Rigetti Computing Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) was up 5.81% in premarket amid continued momentum in the quantum computing space. The rally across quantum names follows the announcement of Google&#8217;s quantum computing chip &#8220;Willow,&#8221; which achieves error reduction and performs computations faster than traditional supercomputers.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures were declining in the early New York session by 1.17% to hover around $69.88 per barrel.
The gold spot index fell by 0.54% to $2,655.61 per ounce. The Dollar Index was up 0.17% to 107.035 level.
Asian markets declined on Tuesday, including Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225, India&#8217;s S&amp;P BSE Sensex, and South Korea&#8217;s Kospi index. Australia&#8217;s ASX 200, and China&#8217;s CSI 300 index bucked the trend. Most European markets also fell except France&#8217;s CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50.
<ul>
<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42522048/jim-cramer-warns-nvidias-vicious-and-fast-reversal-is-coming-amid-174-surge-this-year-and-china-antitrust-probe">Jim Cramer Warns Nvidia&#8217;s &#8216;Vicious&#8217; And &#8216;Fast&#8217; Reversal Is Coming Amid 174% Surge This Year And China Antitrust Probe</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

Previews

Economics

Pre-Market Outlook

LAES

Wall Street Set To Open Lower As Fed Rate Cut Decision, Jerome Powell's Comments Take Center Stage: Wharton's Jeremy Siegel Sees Small-Cap, Value Stock Rotation In 2025

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed an improvement in the overall market sentiment, while the index moved to the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone on Monday.
U.S. stocks settled mixed on Monday, with the Dow Jones index falling for the eighth session in a row. However, the Nasdaq surged to a record high during the session.
Shares of Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Alphabet (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 Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) all surged to new all-time highs on Monday.
On the economic data front, the NY Empire State Manufacturing Index declined to 0.20 in December compared to 31.2 in the previous month, and down from market estimates of 12.
The S&amp;P Global services PMI climbed to 58.5 in December versus 56.1 in November. The S&amp;P Global manufacturing PMI declined to 48.3 in December compared to 49.7 in the prior month.
Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with materials, energy and healthcare stocks recording the biggest losses on Monday. However, consumer discretionary and communication services stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.
The Dow Jones closed lower by over 110 points to 43,717.48 on Monday. The S&amp;P 500 gained 0.38% to 6,074.08, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.24% at 20,173.89 during Monday's session.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOR#NYSE">WOR</a>), Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>) and REE Automotive Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REE#NASDAQ">REE</a>) today.
At a current reading of 56.7, the index moved to the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone on Monday, versus a prior reading of 49.9.
What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?
The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42509800/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-give-their-take-on-3-financial-stocks-delivering-high-dividend-yields-2">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Financial Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields</a></li>
</ul>

Earnings

APLD

Dow Falls For 8th Session, While Nasdaq Hits Record High As Apple, Alphabet, And Tesla Rise: Fear Index Shifts To 'Greed' Zone

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives predicts a major tech sector expansion driven by artificial intelligence and deregulation under President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s administration, forecasting the Nasdaq could reach 25,000 within 18 months.
What Happened: Speaking on CNBC&#8217;s &#8220;Closing Bell,&#8221; Ives <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_u-8ZGNwwA">described</a> Trump&#8217;s incoming administration as a &#8220;Goldilocks scenario&#8221; for tech companies, citing expected regulatory relief from agencies including the Federal Trade Commission.
&#8220;Let&#8217;s get the popcorn out for what will be the AI revolution,&#8221; Ives said, emphasizing that the sector&#8217;s current surge is &#8220;just getting started.&#8221; He explained that AI&#8217;s multiplier effect is spreading across the technology landscape, impacting everything from software to cybersecurity infrastructure.
The analyst expects 80% to 90% of regulatory concerns to diminish under Trump, though some Department of Justice antitrust investigations into companies like Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) will continue.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42522280/meta-arrives-at-32-million-settlement-with-australia-over-cambridge-analytica-privacy-breach-privacy-commissioner-labels-it-largest-ever-payment">Meta Arrives At $32 Million Settlement With Australia Over Cambridge Analytica Privacy Breach: Privacy Commissioner Labels It &#8216;Largest Ever Payment&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) stands to gain the most through mergers and acquisitions, according to Ives, while Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) emerges as the &#8220;biggest winner at the top of the mountain,&#8221; partly due to CEO Elon Musk&#8216;s early alignment with Trump.
Addressing current tech adoption, Ives noted that only 45% of workloads currently operate in cloud environments, predicting a dramatic increase as more AI use cases emerge. &#8220;It&#8217;s 10:00 p.m. in the AI party, and now the velvet ropes are open,&#8221; he said.
The forecast comes as multiple tech CEOs plan meetings with the president-elect in Palm Beach, signaling potentially closer cooperation between Silicon Valley and the incoming administration.
In January, Ives predicted that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/01/36445586/wedbushs-dan-ives-says-tech-stocks-will-be-up-25-in-2024-predicts-nasdaq-at-20k">Nasdaq would reach the 20,000 mark in 2024</a>, and his forecast has proven accurate, with the index now trading at 20,173.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42522048/jim-cramer-warns-nvidias-vicious-and-fast-reversal-is-coming-amid-174-surge-this-year-and-china-antitrust-probe">Jim Cramer Warns Nvidia&#8217;s &#8216;Vicious&#8217; And &#8216;Fast&#8217; Reversal Is Coming Amid 174% Surge This Year And China Antitrust Probe</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tesla Will Be The 'Biggest Winner' In The Trump Era, Says Dan Ives; Predicts Nasdaq At 25,000 In 18 Months: 'Get the Popcorn Out'

Leading cryptocurrencies simmered down Monday after a smashing rally even as speculations around a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve gathered steam.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.10%</td>
<td>$106,072.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-0.69%</td>
<td>$3,966.41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-1.74%</td>
<td>$0.4009</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: The world&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency broke beyond $107,000 for the first time this afternoon before profit-taking brought it back to $105,000, with a modest increase to $106,000 by evening.
The sentiment was upbeat following reports that President-elect Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42505162/trump-reportedly-considering-executive-order-to-establish-strategic-bitcoin-reserve">might pass an executive order</a> to create a national Bitcoin stockpile.
Bitcoin was already up 9.11% in December, higher than the historical <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/today">average </a>of 5.75%, per Coinglass data.
A similar pattern followed for Ethereum, which failed to decisively break over $4,000 and fell to the upper $3,900 range.
In the past 24 hours, 119,098 traders were liquidated, with the total liquidations at $371.44 million. Longs accounted for 60% of the liquidations.
Over 61% of traders on Binance with open Bitcoin futures positions were short, as per the Long/Short Ratio, suggesting expectations of a pullback.
A rally to $110,000 would wipe out over $500 million worth of short positions, data showed.&nbsp;
The bearish positioning could be due to the "Extreme Greed" sentiment in the market, per the Cryptocurrency Fear &amp; Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitget Token (BGB)</td>
<td>+10.80%</td>
<td>$3.44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)</td>
<td>+10.07%</td>
<td>$2.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>THORChain (RUNE)</td>
<td>+7.63%</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.71 trillion, following a marginal increase of 0.11% over the last 24 hours.
Stocks were a mixed bag on Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell for the eighth consecutive day, dropping 110.58 points, or 0.25%, to close at 43,717.48. The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.38% to 6,074.08, while the Nasdaq Composite surged 1.24% to close at a record high of 20,173.89.
The tech surge was powered by the "Mag 7" stocks, as Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) notched their all-time highs during the session.
The rally came just ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee's two-day meeting to decide on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42514008/fed-poised-to-cut-interest-rates-by-0-25-this-week-heres-why-your-focus-should-shift-to-other-signals">benchmark interest rates</a>. Market participants have priced in a 95% chance of a 25 basis point cut from the current target range of 450-475, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Well-known cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez sent a cautionary note to investors amid Bitcoin's upsurge.
"I'm holding tight to my HODL bag, but my trading account is 30% cash as market sentiment around Bitcoin hits &#8216;extreme greed&#8217;—a cautionary red flag," the analyst remarked.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I'm holding tight to my HODL bag, but my trading account is 30% cash as market sentiment around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> hits &#39;extreme greed&#39;—a cautionary red flag. Some altcoins are retracing and triggering my buy orders, but I'm aiming to keep at least 20% cash on hand for flexibility. <a href="https://t.co/915IUEqnC4">pic.twitter.com/915IUEqnC4</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1868654253742620723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Another widely followed analyst, Michaël van de Poppe, foresaw a "ton of volatility" in the market due to the upcoming Fed meeting.
"I won&#8217;t be surprised we&#8217;ll see $110,000 and $95,000 in the same week," Van de Poppe made his predictions.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">New all-time high for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> and a liquidity sweep for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>. FED Meeting around the corner, which is likely going to bring a ton of volatility into the markets. I won&#39;t be surprised we&#39;ll see $110K and $95K in the same week.
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1868737314366816596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Broadcom Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) stock price soared 38% over two sessions — its strongest two-day rally since <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-does-ipo-mean">going public in 2009</a>.
A blowout earnings report, bullish analyst updates, and promising artificial intelligence (AI) developments vaulted the semiconductor company into the elite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42488220/broadcom-hits-1-trillion-milestone-the-next-magnificent-tech-giant">trillion-dollar market-cap club.</a>
The impressive surge began on Friday, following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42480891/broadcom-reports-four-fold-increase-in-ai-chips-revenue-expects-continued-momentum-boasts-of-cost-reduction-in-vmware-after-acquisition-heres-what-happened">Broadcom&#8217;s latest earnings announcement</a>, with shares climbing 24.4% in a single day. The momentum continued into Monday, where the stock advanced another 11%, pushing Broadcom&#8217;s market cap from $850 billion to $1.17 trillion in just 48 hours. 
This achievement places the company alongside tech giants such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>), NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Amazon 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 Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Earnings and AI Tailwinds Fuel Optimism</h3>
Broadcom released earnings after the market closed last Thursday. Investors felt encouraged by the company's robust revenue growth due to surging demand for AI-related chips.
The semiconductor manufacturer also revealed its ongoing collaboration with Apple to develop a custom AI chip, underscoring its expanding role in enabling next-generation AI technology.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari reiterated on Monday a "Buy" rating for Broadcom and raised the stock's 12-month price target from $190 to $240, labeling the company as a "key enabler of generative AI."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Leveraged ETF Gains: Direxion AVL Nearly Doubles</h3>
Broadcom&#8217;s stock surge also had a dramatic impact on the Direxion Daily Broadcom Bull 2X Shares ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVL#NASDAQ">AVL</a>), which offers leveraged exposure to the company's daily stock performance.
In just two sessions, the ETF skyrocketed 84%, reflecting Broadcom&#8217;s remarkable gains. 
The leveraged ETF&#8217;s performance highlights the outsized potential returns — and risks — of these high-magnitude investment vehicles during periods of strong market momentum.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Catch Up On Benzinga's Latest Broadcom Updates:</h3>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/24/12/42516743/broadcoms-options-a-look-at-what-the-big-money-is-thinking">Broadcom&#8217;s Options: A Look at What the Big Money is Thinking</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42515044/broadcom-tesla-propel-nasdaq-100-gains-bitcoin-hits-107000-fueling-crypto-stocks-rally-whats-driving-markets-monday">Broadcom, Tesla Propel Nasdaq 100 Gains, Bitcoin Hits $107,000, Fuels Crypto Stocks Rally: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Monday?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42489281/broadcoms-ai-chip-leadership-puts-pressure-on-nvidia-and-marvell-analysts-say">Broadcom&#8217;s AI Chip Leadership Puts Pressure on Nvidia and Marvell, Analysts Say</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42487128/apples-2025-chip-transition-targets-new-wireless-edge-broadcom-to-retain-key-role">Apple&#8217;s 2025 Chip Transition Targets New Wireless Edge, Broadcom To Retain Key Role</a></li>
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