El interés en corto de Bank of America da a los inversores una idea del grado en que los inversores apuestan por la caída de las acciones de Bank of America. Los datos de interés en corto se actualizan cada dos semanas.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) Bolsa, Informe de interés en corto

BANK OF AMERICA CORP

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, with more than $3.2 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking, and global markets. Bank of America's consumer-facing lines of business include its network of branches and deposit-gathering operations, retail lending products, credit and debit cards, and small-business services. The company's Merrill Lynch operations provide brokerage and wealth-management services, as does its private bank. Wholesale lines of business include investment banking, corporate and commercial real estate lending, and capital markets operations. Bank of America has operations in several countries but is primarily US-focused.

News

Los aranceles de Trump afectan a Bank of America: el nuevo entorno comercial amenaza sus ingresos clave y estabilidad financiera.

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Puig

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fed ai8

Econ #s

Federal Reserve

Bank of America advierte que la Fed no debe apresurarse a recortar tasas. Descubre su análisis sobre la economía y gasto del consumidor.

CEO de Bank of America: La Fed debe ser cautelosa con los recortes de tasas

Bank of America Corp

BERENSON ACQUISITION CORP I CL A

Berenson Acquisition Corp I Warrants (01/08/2026)

BANK OF CHINA LTD ORD by Bank of China, Ltd.

Bank Of China Ltd

BANK OF CHINA UNSP/ADR by Bank of China, Ltd.

IMAC Holdings Inc

Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. I - Class A Ordinary Shares

Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp I

Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. I - Right

BANK OF AMERICA 7.00B PFD by Bank of America Corp.

Bank of America Corporation Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.000% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series GG

Bank of America Corporation Depositary Sh repstg 1/1000th Perp Pfd Ser E

Bank of America Corporation Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 5.875% Non- Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series HH

Bank of America Corporation Non Cumulative Perpetual Conv Pfd Ser L

Bank of America Corporation Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 5.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series KK

Bank of America Corporation Depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of 5.000% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series LL

Bank of America Corporation Depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of 4.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series NN

Bank of America Corporation Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 4.125% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series PP

Bank of America Corporation Depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of 4.250% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series QQ

Bank of America Corporation Depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of 4.750% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series SS

President Donald Trump's sweeping new trade tariffs sent shockwaves through global markets on Thursday, triggering a massive sell-off that echoed the COVID-19 pandemic-era routs, as investor risk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">appetite vanished in a flash.</a>
Wall Street saw a staggering $2 trillion in market cap erased, with the U.S.&#8217;s biggest 10 companies shedding $1 trillion alone.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) plunged 8.7%, staring down its worst day since March 2020 and wiping out nearly $300 billion in value. NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) tumbled 6.4%, losing $171.9 billion, while Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) dropped 8%, on pace for a $166 billion hit.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>% Daily Change</th>
<th>Market Cap Loss ($B)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple</td>
<td>-8.74%</td>
<td>-293.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVIDIA</td>
<td>-6.38%</td>
<td>-171.89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon</td>
<td>-8.03%</td>
<td>-166.80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</td>
<td>-6.64%</td>
<td>-98.24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)</td>
<td>-3.26%</td>
<td>-62.74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</td>
<td>-7.63%</td>
<td>-61.74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</td>
<td>-2.04%</td>
<td>-57.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</td>
<td>-5.80%</td>
<td>-52.76</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</td>
<td>-6.69%</td>
<td>-45.99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>)</td>
<td>-9.93%</td>
<td>-31.60</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tfoot>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
<td></td>
<td>-1043.67</td>
</tr>
</tfoot>
</table>
</figure>
The S&amp;P 500 fell nearly 4%, poised for its worst session since September 2022, and sank to a seven-month low. Small caps took the brunt of the sell-off, with the Russell 2000 plunging over 5% and officially entering a bear market, now down more than 20% from its 2024 peak.
Fears of retaliatory action from key U.S. trading partners dragged every major sector into the red, except for defensive plays like consumer staples and utilities.
Consumer discretionary stocks were slammed. Apparel names posted double-digit losses: Ralph Lauren Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>), Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>), Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>) and Garmin Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRMN#NYSE">GRMN</a>) each dropped between 10% and 16%.
Cruise lines were also hit hard: Norwegian Cruise Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) sank 13%, Carnival Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>) fell 10%, and Royal Caribbean Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>) slid 9%.
Bond markets saw a mild flight to safety. Treasury yields edged lower, yet the U.S. dollar weakened 1.6%, with the DXY index heading for its worst day since November 2022.
Commodities weren't spared. Oil prices nosedived on fears of a global slowdown, worsened by OPEC+'s surprise move to raise output. West Texas Intermediate crude plunged 7.5%, slipping below $70 per barrel.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) showed relative resilience in the carnage, dipping just 1% and holding above $81,600.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance in Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>40,908.76</td>
<td>-3.1 %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,449.64</td>
<td>-3.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>18,751.99</td>
<td>-4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>1,929.91</td>
<td>-5.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:00 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) fell 3.6% to $544.20.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) tumbled 3% to $409.26.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;plummeted 4.2% to $456.21.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) nosedived 5.4% to 191.63.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Consumer Staples&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>) outperformed, up 1.2%; the&nbsp;Technology&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) tanked, down 5.6%.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Other Major Stock, ETFs Moves To Know</h1>
<ul>
<li>Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>) up 7.8%</li>
<li>Five Below Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIVE#NASDAQ">FIVE</a>) down 26%,</li>
<li>Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>), up 7.8%</li>
<li>Kohls Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KSS#NYSE">KSS</a>) down 25%</li>
<li>VanEck Vietnam ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VNM#NYSE">VNM</a>) down 10.2%</li>
<li>iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWW#NYSE">EWW</a>) up 4.7%, </li>
<li>iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWT#NYSE">EWT</a>) down 4%. </li>
</ul>
Read Now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44629640/us-services-sector-slows-sharply-as-hiring-drops-tariff-pressures-mount">US Services Sector Slows Sharply As Hiring Drops, Tariff Pressures Mount</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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Select Sector SPDR-Consumer Discretionary

Wall Street Wipes Out $2 Trillion, Apple Eyes Worst Day Since COVID-19 Pandemic, Oil Plummets: What's Driving Markets Thursday?

While the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump are already dragging markets deep into the red, early signs of strain are beginning to emerge in corporate health indicators, raising concerns that the services sector, the backbone of the U.S. economy, may no longer be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">able to sustain growth.</a>
The Institute for Supply Management&#8217;s Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) survey revealed a marked deterioration in sentiment among service-sector businesses last month, further igniting investor concerns on the state of the economy. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ISM Services PMI Falls More Than Expected</h3>
The ISM Services PMI fell sharply to 50.9% in March, down from 53.5% in February, which had been the highest reading since August 2023. The decline was steeper than expected, with forecasts pointing to a more modest drop to 53%.
This was the lowest reading since December and only marginally above the 50% threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
The Business Activity Index, a gauge of current output, actually strengthened to 55.9% in March from 54.4%, extending its expansion streak to 58 consecutive months. However, forward-looking indicators showed weakness.
The New Orders Index dropped to 50.4% from 52.2%, suggesting waning customer demand, while the Backlog of Orders Index slipped to 45.6%, down from 47.7%, marking a third straight month of contraction.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Employment Index Craters, Hiring Freezes Emerge</h3>
The most striking component of the report was the collapse in the Employment Index, which plunged to 46.2% from 53.9%—a 7.7 percentage point drop and a nine-month low, marking its first contraction in six months.
That's a red flag for a services sector that comprises nearly 80% of U.S. private-sector employment. The reading suggests that companies are either slowing down hiring, cutting jobs outright, or scaling back hours amid economic uncertainty.
In the ISM's qualitative commentary, respondents in professional, scientific and technical services reported a loosening labor market. They cited easier hiring conditions, declining staff turnover and a more abundant supply of high-quality job candidates.
One participant said, "Have been able to hire high-quality employees to fill open positions," while another described a "conservative view of the job market and economy," noting they are "not adding head count or resources."
Now, 19.2% of respondents anticipate reducing employment, up from 15% in February.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inflation Still Hot Despite Easing Slightly</h3>
The Prices Index registered at 60.9%, down modestly from 62.6% in February, but still above the 60% mark for a fourth straight month. That signals input cost pressures remain elevated, even as demand cools.
The ISM also noted a surge in mentions of tariff-related cost pressures, citing "a significant increase this month in the number of respondents reporting cost increases due to tariff activity."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions: Stocks Fall, Traders Eye Four Rate Cuts</h3>
The weaker-than-expected ISM Services PMI intensified the tariff-driven selloff on Wall Street, dragging major U.S. equity indexes to new session lows.
The S&amp;P 500 index – as trakced by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) – fell 4.1% to 5,440 points, eyeing the worst session since September 2022. 
The Nasdaq 100 – tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) – sank 4.4%, hitting a 7-month low.
Shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) were down 8.5%, on track for their worst day since March 2020. 
Similarly, major banks like Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) fell 8.7% and 9.10%, eyeing their worst days in five years. 
Ralph Lauren (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>) was the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s worst performer for the day, down 17%, also heading for its worst session since March 2020.
In money markets, traders ramped up bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts following the downbeat economic data. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of four 25-basis-point cuts by December 2025 surged to as high as 67%. 
The shift in expectations triggered a sharp selloff in the U.S. dollar, which plunged 2.1%—its steepest single-day drop since November 2022.
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/25/04/44627817/retaliation-odds-spike-after-trumps-heavy-tariffs-sending-country-etfs-tumbling">Retaliation Odds Spike After Trump&#8217;s Heavy Tariffs, Sending Country ETFs Tumbling</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Analyst Ratings

US Services Sector Slows Sharply As Hiring Drops, Tariff Pressures Mount

WIIM

Bank of America shares are trading lower after JP Morgan cut its price target on the stock from $49.5 to $43.5.

Shares of Bank of America Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) fell 5.3% to $39.63 Thursday morning as President Donald Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs rattled financial markets and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44621408/market-access-has-a-price-trump-unveils-list-of-tariffs-countries-targeted">heightened fears</a> of a global economic downturn.
The second-largest U.S. bank by assets is particularly vulnerable to the escalating trade tensions, as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44624245/tariffs-to-plug-the-hole-for-income-tax-cuts-to-come-economists-predict-what-more-could-be-expected">rising tariffs</a> threaten economic growth, corporate lending and consumer spending—all key revenue drivers for the bank.
What To Know: Bank of America, which generates significant revenue from interest income on loans and mortgages, faces mounting concerns that the tariffs could stoke inflation while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44623179/larry-summers-warns-trumps-tariffs-will-deliver-oil-crisis-like-shock-slash-30-trillion-from-economy-as-markets-plunge">slowing economic activity</a>. Additionally, if businesses cut back on expansion due to trade uncertainty, demand for corporate credit could weaken.
Also, Bank of America's investment banking division, which earns fees from mergers, acquisitions and capital markets activity, may suffer if market volatility persists. Global trade disruptions could deter companies from pursuing major deals, further pressuring the bank's fee-based income.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/04/44623604/us-stock-likely-to-open-lower-following-trumps-tariffs-worse-than-the-worst-case-scenario-says-analyst">US Stocks Likely To Open Lower Following Trump&#8217;s Tariffs: &#8216;Worse Than The Worst Case Scenario,&#8217; Says Analyst</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy BAC Stock</h2>
By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for Bank of America &#8211; be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company.
Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-stock-trading-platforms">possible trading platforms here.</a> Many will allow you to buy &#8220;fractional shares,&#8221; which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share.
In the case of Bank of America, which is trading at $41.85 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 2.39 shares of stock.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to &#8220;go short&#8221; a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock">stock can be found at this resource.</a> Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading &#8211; either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
According to data from&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, BAC has a 52-week high of $48.08 and a 52-week low of $34.15.

What's Going On With Bank Of America (BAC) Shares

JP Morgan analyst Vivek Juneja maintains Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $49.5 to $43.5.

Price Target

JP Morgan Maintains Overweight on Bank of America, Lowers Price Target to $43.5

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Bank of America.
Looking at options history for Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) we detected 12 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 58% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 41% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $291,902 and 8, calls, for a total amount of $369,802.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $37.0 and $45.0 for Bank of America, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Bank of America's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Bank of America's whale trades within a strike price range from $37.0 to $45.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Bank of America Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743604316_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$2.57</td>
<td>$2.55</td>
<td>$2.57</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$141.3K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
<td>$84.9K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td>153</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$2.58</td>
<td>$2.57</td>
<td>$2.58</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$81.0K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$0.27</td>
<td>$0.26</td>
<td>$0.27</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$54.0K</td>
<td>5.9K</td>
<td>10.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$0.24</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td>5.9K</td>
<td>10.2K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Bank of America</h3>
Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, with more than $3.2 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking, and global markets. Bank of America's consumer-facing lines of business include its network of branches and deposit-gathering operations, retail lending products, credit and debit cards, and small-business services. The company's Merrill Lynch operations provide brokerage and wealth-management services, as does its private bank. Wholesale lines of business include investment banking, corporate and commercial real estate lending, and capital markets operations. Bank of America has operations in several countries but is primarily US-focused.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Bank of America, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Bank of America</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 5,170,891, the price of BAC is down by -0.14%, reaching $41.43.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 13 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Bank of America</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $51.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their Outperform rating on Bank of America, maintaining a target price of $48. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Bank of America, which currently sits at a price target of $50. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Equal-Weight rating on Bank of America, which currently sits at a price target of $56. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Baird has upgraded their rating to Outperform and adjusted the price target to $50. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Bank of America, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

Bank of America Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

With U.S. markets in turmoil, the Oracle of Omaha is once again turning his gaze eastward, with Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) planning a new round of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41266529/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-reportedly-raises-1-9b-through-largest-samurai-bond-sale-in-5-yea">Yen-denominated bonds</a>, which it plans to invest primarily in five Japanese trading companies, in which it already maintains a sizable position.
What Happened: Berkshire Hathaway made new filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday, announcing its intent to issue another round of Yen-denominated bonds, after naming Bank of America Securities (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) and Mizuho Americas as the lead managers of the issue.
The company&#8217;s filings neither mention the size of the issue nor the coupon rates just yet, and there is no clarity on how it plans to use the proceeds either, but there have been indications that Berkshire might use this to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44353719/warren-buffets-berkshire-hathaway-boosts-stake-in-japans-top-trading-firms">increase its holdings in Japan&#8217;s top 5 trading houses</a>. 
This includes Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsui &amp; Co, Marubeni, Itochu, and Sumitomo Corp, adding to its $24 billion position in these companies.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44601400/nvidia-rival-amd-completes-4-9b-acquisition-of-zt-systems-to-strengthen-ai-and-data-center-dominance">Nvidia Rival AMD Completes $4.9B Acquisition Of ZT Systems To Strengthen AI And Data Center Dominance</a>
Berkshire first tapped into Japanese debt markets in 2019, attracted by the low interest rates, followed by several rounds each year since then. Its last issuance was in October 2024, when the company sold multitranch bonds worth $1.9 billion, and now this one marks its 10th Samurai (Yen) Bond issuance overall. 
Berkshire has two Yen-denominated bonds maturing in April and August this year, so part of the proceeds might go towards refinancing them as well.
Why It Matters: The issue adds to Berkshire&#8217;s massive $130 billion debt pile, even as it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43904932/warren-buffett-favors-5-treasury-bills-over-buybacks-as-berkshire-hathaways-cash-pile-surges-the-rate-of-change-thats-most-telling-says-lawrence-mcdonald">hoards cash worth $330 billion</a>, but the way it is structured makes a great deal of sense. 
To start with, the 5 trading companies that Berkshire is interested in each have remarkably high dividend yields, significantly higher than the coupon rates on the bonds it has issued. Moreover, given that the Japanese Yen is constantly declining against the US dollar, issuing Yen-denominated bonds acts as a hedge.
Warren Buffett has long been an admirer of Japanese companies and their work culture, but strictly from a valuation perspective, the Japanese stock market is <a href="https://www.hennessyfunds.com/insights/investment-idea-japan-valuations">a lot more attractive currently</a>, trading at 13.6 times earnings, compared to 25.3 times earnings in US stocks.
Berkshire has a momentum rating of 87% and a value rating of 71%, and is favorable for the short, medium, and long term. For more such insights, consider signing up for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="168" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02040544/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-1.31.37-PM-1024x168.png" alt="" class="wp-image-852718" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02040544/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-1.31.37-PM-1024x168.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02040544/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-1.31.37-PM-300x49.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02040544/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-1.31.37-PM-768x126.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02040544/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-1.31.37-PM.png 1418w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read More:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44601019/as-uncle-sam-tightens-purse-strings-palantir-is-feeling-the-squeeze">Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE, Tightening Purse Strings Spell Trouble For Palantir: Here&#8217;s Why The AI Darling Is Facing The Heat</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Bonds

Global

Warren Buffett Doubles Down On Japan: Another Yen Bond Blitz Amid Growing US Market Volatility

Evercore ISI Group analyst Glenn Schorr maintains Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $51 to $48.

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Bank of America, Lowers Price Target to $48

Bank of America's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) short percent of float has risen 12.62% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 87.76 million shares sold short, which is 1.16% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.65 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Bank of America Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743512425_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Bank of America has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Bank of America's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Bank of America's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 1.23%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About Bank of America?

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 Financials 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>WFC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$45.7K</td>
<td>12.9K</td>
<td>6.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$41.50</td>
<td>$268.1K</td>
<td>869</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AFRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$86.5K</td>
<td>97</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HOOD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$669.6K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$119.00</td>
<td>$54.1K</td>
<td>285</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RKT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$9.20</td>
<td>$107.9K</td>
<td>346</td>
<td>576</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$332.0K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AIG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$34.0K</td>
<td>177</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PGR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$115.0K</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KKR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$59.2K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For WFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 109 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 129 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.7K, with a price of $355.0 per contract. There were 12921 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6536 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BAC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 17 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1887 contract(s) at a $41.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 33 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $268.1K, with a price of $142.0 per contract. There were 869 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1998 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AFRM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 25 day(s) on April 25, 2025. Parties traded 206 contract(s) at a $44.00 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 $86.5K, with a price of $420.0 per contract. There were 97 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1932 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HOOD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 655 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 992 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $669.6K, with a price of $675.0 per contract. There were 3944 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1050 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 4 day(s) on April 4, 2025. This event was a transfer of 741 contract(s) at a $119.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 25 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.1K, with a price of $73.0 per contract. There were 285 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1034 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RKT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 655 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 254 contract(s) at a $9.20 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $107.9K, with a price of $425.0 per contract. There were 346 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 576 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 291 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $332.0K, with a price of $16601.0 per contract. There were 2839 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 160 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AIG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIG#NYSE">AIG</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 172 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 24 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.0K, with a price of $1420.0 per contract. There were 177 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 100 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PGR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGR#NYSE">PGR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 4 day(s) on April 4, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $260.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $115.0K, with a price of $2300.0 per contract. There were 25 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 50 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For KKR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 172 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 40 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $59.2K, with a price of $1480.0 per contract. There were 1050 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 46 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.

AFRM

COIN

HOOD

10 Financials Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

ALLY

ARES

BBDO

BBVA

BSBR

CNCK

CRBG

ENVA

GDOT

HBAN

HSBC

IBKR

INTR

ITUB

JFIN

LMND

LPLA

MUFG

PMAX

QFIN

ROOT

SMFG

SOFI

TIGR

Shares of banks and financial services stocks are trading lower following greater-than-expected inflation data measured through the PCE price index for February, while personal spending missed estimates. Additionally, recent tariff announcements may be weighing on equities.

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. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$305.1K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HOOD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$106.8K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$342.1K</td>
<td>12.4K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AIG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
<td>$55.0K</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SOFI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$29.2K</td>
<td>32.5K</td>
<td>581</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UPST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$40.9K</td>
<td>338</td>
<td>207</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$33.4K</td>
<td>8.5K</td>
<td>183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XYZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$34.0K</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>116</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AFRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$174.5K</td>
<td>327</td>
<td>103</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$78.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For BAC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 113 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1518 contract(s) at a $44.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $305.1K, with a price of $201.0 per contract. There were 1254 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4906 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HOOD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 113 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 449 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $106.8K, with a price of $238.0 per contract. There were 2523 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2001 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding C (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 85 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 1100 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $342.1K, with a price of $311.0 per contract. There were 12434 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1200 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AIG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIG#NYSE">AIG</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 8 day(s) on April 4, 2025. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $82.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $55.0K, with a price of $55.0 per contract. There were 55 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1000 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SOFI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 295 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.2K, with a price of $146.0 per contract. There were 32501 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 581 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UPST (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPST#NASDAQ">UPST</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on April 25, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.9K, with a price of $410.0 per contract. There were 338 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 207 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 295 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 41 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.4K, with a price of $815.0 per contract. There were 8521 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 183 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For XYZ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 21 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $59.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.0K, with a price of $340.0 per contract. There were 47 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 116 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AFRM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 21 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 103 contract(s) at a $30.00 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 $174.5K, with a price of $1695.0 per contract. There were 327 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 103 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PYPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 36 day(s) on May 2, 2025. Parties traded 471 contract(s) at a $78.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.5K, with a price of $86.0 per contract. There were 36 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 17 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.

PYPL

UPST

10 Financials Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Xtrackers ETFs offer exposure to some of the hottest themes in the market including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44465542/ai-investments-set-to-power-chip-revenue-boom-adoption-rises-among-large-companies-goldman-sachs">artificial intelligence (AI)</a>.
What Happened: Xtrackers by DWS is a global provider of passive investing solutions. The company offers numerous building blocks for traditional investment strategies as well as innovative products on thematic investments and growth trends.
Xtrackers focuses on a combination of innovation, access and value, but the innovation pillar has become really important to the business, Aram Babikian, head of sales for U.S. wealth, said last week in a Benzinga interview at the Future Proof Citywide event.
&#8220;We&#8217;ve come out with a lot of very interesting products, some of them first-of-its-kind,&#8221; Babikian said.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="509" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26122006/Screen-Shot-2025-03-26-at-11.16.42-AM-1024x509.png" alt="" class="wp-image-843044" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26122006/Screen-Shot-2025-03-26-at-11.16.42-AM-1024x509.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26122006/Screen-Shot-2025-03-26-at-11.16.42-AM-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26122006/Screen-Shot-2025-03-26-at-11.16.42-AM-768x382.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26122006/Screen-Shot-2025-03-26-at-11.16.42-AM.png 1191w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
The three big themes that are emerging right now are AI, positioning for geopolitical risks and international diversification.
Demand for investing in AI continues to accelerate, he said, adding that it feels like &#8220;the internet era times two.&#8221; The uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical landscape has also created investing opportunities, especially in international investments, he said. 
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/03/44495583/these-4-sp-500-sectors-could-outperform-the-market-in-april-if-history-has-a-say">These 4 S&amp;P 500 Sectors Could Outperform The Market In April, If History Has A Say</a>
Xtrackers has about 300 ETFs available in Europe and about 40 ETFs available to U.S. investors. One of the firm&#8217;s hottest investment vehicles right now is the Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence And Big Data ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAIX#NASDAQ">XAIX</a>).
Babikian told Benzinga that the ETF utilizes AI to build its basket of stocks by sifting through patent filings and determining the best-positioned companies in the space. Bank of America Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) is actually one of the largest holders of AI patents, but most people probably aren&#8217;t aware, he said.
Simon Klein, managing director and head of coverage for Xtrackers, noted the company uses a blanket approach in Europe, offering ETFs that cover everything, but the U.S. is more targeted.
Xtrackers has about $350 billion under management globally, making it a top 10 ETF provider.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/03/44496057/jack-dorsey-says-block-not-replacing-folks-with-ai-in-letter-explaining-900-job-cuts">Jack Dorsey Says Block Not &#8216;Replacing Folks With AI&#8217; In Letter Explaining 900+ Job Cuts</a></li>
</ul>
Photos: Shutterstock; Inserted: Courtesy Benzinga

Events

XAIX

Xtrackers ETFs Offer Unique Exposure To Hottest Themes In Market: 'The Internet Era Times Two'

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Bank of America.
Looking at options history for Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) we detected 8 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 25% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 75% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $204,249 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $342,920.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $38.0 to $52.5 for Bank of America during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Bank of America options trades today is 4662.25 with a total volume of 698.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Bank of America's big money trades within a strike price range of $38.0 to $52.5 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Bank of America Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742911301_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$9.95</td>
<td>$9.85</td>
<td>$9.95</td>
<td>$52.50</td>
<td>$143.2K</td>
<td>219</td>
<td align="right">144</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$139.2K</td>
<td>847</td>
<td align="right">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.45</td>
<td>$6.3</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$101.1K</td>
<td>19.5K</td>
<td align="right">158</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/21/25</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$47.0K</td>
<td>172</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$2.87</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$35.3K</td>
<td>11.9K</td>
<td align="right">122</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Bank of America</h3>
Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, with more than $3.2 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking, and global markets. Bank of America's consumer-facing lines of business include its network of branches and deposit-gathering operations, retail lending products, credit and debit cards, and small-business services. The company's Merrill Lynch operations provide brokerage and wealth-management services, as does its private bank. Wholesale lines of business include investment banking, corporate and commercial real estate lending, and capital markets operations. Bank of America has operations in several countries but is primarily US-focused.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Bank of America, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Bank of America</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,869,767, the price of BAC is up by 0.41%, reaching $43.24.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 21 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Bank of America</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $50.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Citigroup keeps a Buy rating on Bank of America with a target price of $50. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Baird upgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $50. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Bank of America, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Bank of America Unusual Options Activity For March 25

Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 11 analysts have published ratings on Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) in the last three months.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Bank of America, presenting an average target of $52.82, a high estimate of $58.00, and a low estimate of $49.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 0.72% from the previous average price target of $52.44.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742842877_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Bank of America. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Keith Horowitz</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David George</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott Siefers</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Betsy Graseck</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Kotowski</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John McDonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Glenn Schorr</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erika Najarian</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John McDonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Goldberg</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Kotowski</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Bank of America. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Bank of America compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Bank of America's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Bank of America's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BAC/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Bank of America analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Bank of America's Background</h2>
Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, with more than $3.2 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking, and global markets. Bank of America's consumer-facing lines of business include its network of branches and deposit-gathering operations, retail lending products, credit and debit cards, and small-business services. The company's Merrill Lynch operations provide brokerage and wealth-management services, as does its private bank. Wholesale lines of business include investment banking, corporate and commercial real estate lending, and capital markets operations. Bank of America has operations in several countries but is primarily US-focused.
<h3>Bank of America: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Bank of America's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 15.43%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Financials sector.
Net Margin: Bank of America's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 25.25%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Bank of America's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 2.35%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Bank of America's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.19%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: Bank of America's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 1.2, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

11 Analysts Assess Bank of America: What You Need To Know

Citigroup analyst Keith Horowitz maintains Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $54 to $50.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Bank of America, Lowers Price Target to $50

Wall Street is buzzing with increasing speculation about a recession, as economists identify several indicators suggesting an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44448437/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-nvidia-fedex-and-the-market-digests-the-feds-rate-decision">impending economic downturn</a>.
What Happened: According to a report, Goldman Sachs&nbsp;has raised its likelihood of a recession in&nbsp;the next 12 months from&nbsp;15% to 20%. A March survey by&nbsp;Bank of America&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) showed that 55% of fund managers perceive&nbsp;a global recession triggered by&nbsp;a trade war as the&nbsp;primary&nbsp;tail risk for the market.
Consumer expectations of a recession in the upcoming year have also risen to a nine-month peak, according to the latest Consumer Confidence Survey by the Conference Board, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-2025-warning-economy-outlook-growth-slowdown-debt-stocks-rates-2025-3">reports</a> Insider.
Economist David Rosenberg foresees a downturn in the next few months, highlighting several warning signs of a faltering economy.
Rosenberg points out several alarming signs including US households battling to keep up with inflation, an increased debt load, struggling small- and mid-cap stocks, and declining corporate earnings guidance. 
Rosenberg stated, &#8220;If the past is prescient, the recession which nobody believes will rear its ugly head will materialize as early as July.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44211421/us-economy-teetering-recession-may-be-looming-as-bond-market-reacts-to-trump-policies">US Economy Teetering? Recession May Be Looming As Bond Market Reacts To Trump Policies</a>
Households are increasingly unable to handle emergency expenses, with&nbsp;the latest Survey of Consumer&nbsp;Expectations from the New York&nbsp;Fed indicating that only 63% of US households could manage a sudden $2,000 bill. 
This is the lowest percentage since Q4 2015, as per an analysis by&nbsp;Apollo Global Management&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>). Moreover, total household debt increased by $93 billion in Q4, hitting a record $18 trillion. 
Small- and mid-cap stocks are also struggling, with the iShares S&amp;P Small-cap 600 Value ETF down 16% from its November peak and the S&amp;P MidCap 400 down 13% from its November high.
Companies like&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>),&nbsp;Target&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and&nbsp;FedEx&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) have reduced their guidance for the year, with approximately 70% of companies attributing potential negative outlooks this year to&nbsp;uncertainty around new policies and&nbsp;tariffs.
Finally, bond investors are factoring in a higher risk of companies defaulting&nbsp;in the coming years. Credit&nbsp;spreads have significantly increased in the past month, indicating investors&#8217; anticipation of a higher risk of corporate borrowers struggling to repay debt.
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Mid Cap

Recession Fears Escalate as Economists Identify Warning Signs: 'Will Materialize as Early as July'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a> ended 2024 hoarding cash. Yet a longer look at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/berkshire-hathaway">Berkshire Hathaway</a>'s portfolio suggests that, as usual, Buffett isn't tipping his hand over his portfolio management strategy going forward. 
According to the firm&#8217;s 13-F regulatory filings, while top Berkshire holdings like American Express (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NASDAQ">AXP</a>) and Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) remain steady, Buffett is simultaneously curbing big positions in portfolio stalwarts.
Here&#8217;s what Buffett is selling and what he&#8217;s preparing for.
"Warren Buffett's been selling for a reason, and it's not because he's lost confidence in investing," said Steven Kibbel, a certified financial planner and an advisor at Prop Firm App, a website dedicated to proprietary trading and investment strategies. "He's sitting on a record cash pile that tells you everything. He's not just taking money off the table for the sake of it; he's waiting for better opportunities."
It&#8217;s no secret that the stock market has been pricey in recent years, and Buffett has never been one to chase high valuations. "He's also said before that when the market cap of U.S. stocks surpasses GDP by too much, it's a warning sign," Kibbel said. "Right now, that's exactly where we are."
Altogether, Berkshire Hathaway was a seller in 2024, exiting out of equity positions worth $143 billion, which boosted the company's ample cash stack to $334 billion. While Buffett wasn't crystal clear about his pivot to cash in his 2024 annual letter to shareholders, he left some clues for investors.
"Despite what some commentators currently view as an extraordinary cash position at Berkshire, the great majority of your money remains in equities. That preference won't change," Buffett wrote.
"Berkshire shareholders can rest assured that we will forever deploy a substantial majority of their money in equities – mostly American equities, although many of these will have international operations of significance," he added. "Berkshire will never prefer ownership of cash-equivalent assets over the ownership of good businesses, whether controlled or only partially owned."
In an ironic sidebar, Buffett also noted how far Berkshire has come in the past six decades, using taxes as a metric.
"In 1965, the company did not pay a dime of income tax, an embarrassment that had generally prevailed at the company for a decade. Fast forward 60 years and imagine the surprise at the Treasury when that same company – still operating under the name of Berkshire Hathaway – paid far more in corporate income tax than the U.S. government had ever received from any company – even the American tech titans that commanded market values in the trillions."
Buffett noted that the company's $26.8 billion tax comprised about 5% of all U.S. corporate taxes paid in 2024.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Buffett Is Selling</h2>
2024, especially the last quarter of the year, saw Berkshire exiting large positions in the financial sector.
"Bank stocks are a big part of Buffett's sell-off," Kibbel noted. "Look at what's happening with interest rates. Higher rates hurt banks' lending businesses, and with economic uncertainty, it's harder to predict how well these companies will perform."
Here's a closer look at three of the big stocks Berkshire Hathaway has been cutting, with a view on what comes next for the Buffett portfolio.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Apple</h3>
Team Buffett sold about 67% of its stake in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) in 2024, selling most of it in the first three quarters of the year. The portfolio still holds $75.1 billion in AAPL shares. Apple shares are down -14.8% in 2025, so Buffett's AAPL haircut has largely paid off as the tech giant's share price dwindled downward.
Some market watchers say Buffett's Apple sale is about risk exposure.
"When a single stock makes up close to half of your portfolio, even a legend like Buffett knows it's time to trim," said John Beck, a founding partner at Beck &amp; Beck Missouri Lawyers who regularly consults with clients on money matters. "Apple's reliance on China, increased regulatory scrutiny, and supply chain vulnerabilities make it a long-term concern."
Other market experts advise not reading too much into Buffett pulling back on his AAPL exposure.
"Investors selling Apple because Buffett has pared down his position may be misreading his actions," said Robert R. Johnson, professor of Finance Heider College of Business at Creighton University. "Apple currently represents over 22% of Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s $280-million-dollar marketable securities portfolio. To me, that signals that he has high confidence in the firm.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bank of America</h3>
After its 2024 selloff, Berkshire owns less than the 700 million Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) shares it initially purchased in 2017.
"Bank stocks are a big part of the Buffett sell-off," Kibbel said. "Look at what's happening with interest rates. Higher rates hurt banks' lending businesses, and with economic uncertainty, it's harder to predict how well these companies will perform."
Buffett's been trimming his position in Bank of America for a while, not all at once. To Kibble, "That suggests he's being careful about it.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Citigroup</h3>
Berkshire Hathaway is in sell mode for a few reasons beyond a pricey market landscape.
"First, interest rates have fundamentally changed the game," Beck noted. "When money was cheap, financial stocks like Bank of America and Citigroup made sense. With higher rates, profit margins shrink, and banks face regulatory uncertainty. Buffett isn't just reacting to today—he's positioning for the next five to ten years."
It&#8217;s the same issue with Citigroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), as Buffett dumped over 70% of that stake in a single quarter. "If one of the best financial minds in the world is reducing exposure to major banks, that says something," Kibbel said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaway On Buffett And His Growing Cash Position</h2>
It's hard to say what Buffett thinks as the first quarter of 2025 draws to a close. Yet, as the adage goes, the past is prologue, and Buffett may be planning something more significant than shaving down the size of some of his portfolio favorites.
"Warren Buffett has sold a large percentage of his holdings in Apple because he likely thinks it is fully valued," said David I. Kass, a finance professor at the University of Maryland. "However, Apple remains Berkshire&#8217;s largest equity holding. Similarly, he has reduced his stake in Bank of America and Citigroup."
Kass noted that Buffett is also raising cash in preparation for Greg Abel to succeed him as CEO in the near future, enabling Abel to start with a relatively clean slate. "The sales of other stocks, like Ulta Beauty and Nu Holdings, were most likely those of his portfolio managers, Todd Combs or Ted Weschler, since those stakes were relatively small."
Lastly, Buffett is not selling because he thinks these companies are bad; he&#8217;s doing so because he wants to be liquid.
"Take Apple, for example," said David Capablanca, a short-selling equity trading specialist and host of the Friendly Bear Podcast. "He's been trimming his position in Apple, his largest holding, for three quarters now. That tells me he's concerned about valuations, especially in a high-interest-rate environment where tech stocks tend to struggle."
Investors may want to keep in mind that Buffett is not selling out of fear—he's selling to be aggressive when he buys.
"That's the key difference," Capablanca said. "When markets drop, he'll be sitting on a massive pile of cash, ready to scoop up bargains."
So, should the average investor track Berkshire's move into cash? It depends, Capablanca said.
"If you're thinking long-term like Buffett, then yes, studying his moves can give you some insight," he noted. "But blindly copying him isn't the way—he has a different strategy, time horizon, and level of patience than most retail investors. The important thing is understanding why he's doing what he's doing, not just mirroring his trades," he concluded.
Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

3 Beloved Stocks Warren Buffett Is Dumping As Markets Fall

Live On CNBC, Steve Weiss Announces Bought More Bank Of America

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This old adage rings true in today&#8217;s volatile markets, as Warren Buffett&#8216;s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) is on track for its strongest two-month performance relative to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/warren-buffett">S&amp;P 500 since 2010. </a>
The Omaha-based conglomerate surged 10.3% in February 2025, marking its best month since March 2022, and has gained another 2.5% in March. 
Meanwhile, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the broader market, declined 1.3% in February and has plunged nearly 5% in March.
This performance has widened Berkshire's outperformance over the S&amp;P 500 to 20 percentage points since February, putting it on track for its best two-month run versus the index since February 2010.
In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway had only marginally outperformed the S&amp;P 500 by 1.8 percentage points. 
On Thursday, shares of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. New hit fresh record highs, closing at $528.73.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20163601/image-185-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-834719" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20163601/image-185-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20163601/image-185-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20163601/image-185-768x396.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20163601/image-185-1536x793.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20163601/image-185.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Buffett's Long-Term View Holds</h3>
The stock's momentum aligns with Buffett's long-standing investment philosophy, as outlined in Berkshire's latest annual letter to shareholders.
The 93-year-old billionaire emphasized the company's patient, long-term approach: &#8220;Over time, we think it highly likely that gains will prevail – why else would we buy these securities? – though the year-by-year numbers will swing wildly and unpredictably. Our horizon for such commitments is almost always far longer than a single year. In many, our thinking involves decades. These long-termers are the purchases that sometimes make the cash register ring like church bells.&#8221;
Buffett also highlighted Berkshire's role as a major taxpayer, noting that the company has paid more in corporate income tax than any other U.S. firm in history, including tech giants with trillion-dollar valuations. In 2024 alone, Berkshire made four payments to the IRS totaling $26.8 billion, accounting for about 5% of all corporate taxes paid in the U.S.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Berkshire's Top Holdings</h3>
According to Berkshire's latest 13F filing as of December 2024, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) remained its largest holding, representing 28.1% of the company's portfolio. This was followed by American Express Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) at 16.8% and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) at 11.2%.
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Large Cap

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Outpaces S&P 500 With Best 2-Month Run Since 2010

Press Releases

Bank of America Names Maria Martinez to Board of Directors

Bank of America Announces Full Redemption of Its Series AA Preferred Stock and Related Depositary Shares

Fintech

BofA Receives Top Rankings in Digital, Corporate Banking and Cash Management from Crisil Coalition Greenwich

Bank of America Announces Redemption of CAD550,000,000 3.515% Fixed/Floating Rate Senior Notes, Due March 2026

Digital Interactions by BofA Clients Surge to Over 26 Billion, up 12% Year-Over-Year

BofA and Youth on Course Partner to Expand Access to the Sport for Youth Golfers Across America

Bank of America Announces Redemption of CAD400,000,000 Floating Rate Senior Notes, Due March 2026

Dividends

Bank of America Declares Preferred Stock Dividends Payable in April and May 2025

BofA Names Jason Edelmann President of Fort Lauderdale

Bank of America Announces Redemptions of $500,000,000 Floating Rate Senior Notes and $3,000,000,000 3.384% Fixed/Floating Rate Senior Notes, Due April 2026

Banco Bradesco Sa American Depositary Shares

Bank Bradesco

Banco Bradesco Sa American Depositary Shares (each representing one Common Share)

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. Common Stock

Barclays

Banco Santander Brasil SA American Depositary Shares, each representing one unit

Banco Santander

Citigroup

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

First Citizens BancShares

Fifth Third Bancorp

HDFC Bank

HSBC Holdings

ICICI Bank

ING Groep

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA American Depositary Shares (Each repstg 500 Preferred shares)

Itau Unibanco Holding

JPMorgan Chase

KB Financial Group

Lloyds Banking Group Plc American Depositary Shares

Lloyds Banking Group

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. Sponosred ADR (Japan)

Mizuho Financial Gr

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. Common Stock

Mitsubishi UFJ Finl Gr

Nu Holdings

NatWest Group plc American Depositary Shares, (each representing two (2) Ordinary Shares)

NatWest Group

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) Common Stock

PNC Financial Services Gr

Banco Santander, S.A. Sponsored ADR (Spain)

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc Unsponsored American Depositary Shares (Japan)

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