Bank of America Option Alert: Fri $44 Puts at the Ask: 40000 vs 27287 OI

Bank of America Option Alert: Fri $44 Puts at the Ask: 40000 @ $0.16 vs 27287 OI; Ref=$46.935

Bank of America Option Alert: Fri $46 Puts at the Bid: 8400 vs 5761 OI

Bank of America Option Alert: Fri $46 Puts at the Bid: 8400 @ $0.63 vs 5761 OI; Ref=$46.755

Bank of America Option Alert: Jan, 2027 $45 Puts at the Bid: 3000 vs 5667 OI

Bank of America Option Alert: Jan, 2027 $45 Puts at the Bid: 3000 @ $4.45 vs 5667 OI; Ref=$46.74

Bank of America Option Alert: Jun, 2026 $42 Puts at the Bid: 2500 vs 13170 OI

Bank of America Option Alert: Jun, 2026 $42 Puts at the Bid: 2500 @ $2.39 vs 13170 OI; Ref=$47.285

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) Bolsa

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.

Banks report positive earnings

Previews

JPMorgan, Citigroup y Wells Fargo presentan resultados sólidos en el 2T 2025, impulsados por ingresos netos por intereses y dividendos.

Temporada de resultados: JPMorgan, Citigroup y Wells Fargo lideran un sólido segundo trimestre

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Warren Buffett: el 98 % de su fortuna surgió después de los 65 años

Big bank earnings season kicks off Tuesday, July 15, with key industry heavyweight JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) and Wells Fargo Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>) headlining a crucial reporting day for financials, as Wall Street eyes a rebound in quarterly profits fueled by stronger net interest income and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/expert-ideas">healthy capital markets activity.</a>
Here's what to expect as the second-quarter 2025 numbers roll in before the bell.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bank Profits Growth Expected </h3>
Wall Street expects a strong quarter for major banks, with JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. forecast to deliver earnings per share (EPS) of $4.48 in the second quarter, a modest 1.8% increase from $4.40 a year ago. Revenue is projected at $44.17 billion, reflecting a pullback from last year's $50.2 billion.
Citigroup is expected to post more robust growth, with EPS projected to rise 6.6% year over year to $1.62 from $1.52. Revenue is also expected to improve slightly to $20.89 billion, up 3.9% from last year's Q2.
Wells Fargo is forecast to earn $1.40 per share, a 5.3% increase over the prior-year quarter. Revenue is expected to remain flat at $20.78 billion, indicating stable core banking performance despite macroeconomic headwinds.
BlackRock Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), although not a traditional bank, is poised for a solid performance in asset management, with EPS expected to reach $10.80, representing a 4.2% increase over last year. Revenues are projected to be $5.34 billion, representing an 11% increase.
Other names in focus include Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BK#NYSE">BK</a>), expected to post EPS of $1.76 on $4.83 billion in revenue, and State Street Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STT#NYSE">STT</a>), which is projected to earn $2.37 per share on $3.35 billion in revenue—both reflecting ongoing resilience in custody and asset servicing segments.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Bank Name</th>
<th>Estimated EPS</th>
<th>Estimated Revenue</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>JPMorgan Chase</td>
<td>4.48</td>
<td>$44.17B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>1.62</td>
<td>$20.89B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>1.40</td>
<td>$20.78B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BlackRock</td>
<td>10.80</td>
<td>$5.34B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of New York Mellon</td>
<td>1.76</td>
<td>$4.83B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>State Street</td>
<td>2.37</td>
<td>$3.35B</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a></figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Banks To Step Up Shareholder Returns</h2>
The positive earnings outlook follows banks passing the Federal Reserve's June stress tests with ease, prompting widespread dividend hikes.
The median dividend per share across major banks rose 7%, with standouts like Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) lifting its quarterly payout 33% to $4.00.
JPMorgan raised its dividend by 7% to $1.50 and authorized a massive $50 billion stock buyback program.
Citigroup boosted its dividend by 7% and continues its $20 billion multi-year repurchase plan.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Analyst Views: Where's The Opportunity?</h2>
Goldman Sachs analyst Richard Ramsden said Wells Fargo and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) offer the best earnings upside for investors heading into 2026.
He sees Bank of America's net interest income (NII) growing 7% annually through 2026, outperforming large bank peers, driven by stronger loan growth, favorable asset sensitivity and lower deposit costs. "We view BAC&#8217;s current ~1.5x 2026E price-to-tangible book value as attractive," Ramsden said.
For Wells Fargo, the recent removal of its asset cap opens the door to deposit growth, capital markets expansion and cost savings. Ramsden believes these factors could boost earnings by as much as 19% and push return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) to as high as 17.3%.
Bank of America analyst Ebrahim Poonawala echoed bullish sentiment, saying the sector could see &#8220;positive EPS revisions and further stock re-rating&#8221; if capital expenditures and client activity pick up.
He flagged Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs as offering the best risk-reward among money center banks.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's At Stake For Investors?</h2>
With the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>) up more than 8% year-to-date, bank stocks have already benefited from a more stable rate environment and strong capital positions.
However, any surprises in loan demand, expense growth, or trading revenue could quickly swing sentiment.
Tuesday&#8217;s results will set the tone for the rest of earnings season and could determine whether banks still have room to run, or whether Wall Street has already priced in the rebound.
Read now: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46381861/us-stocks-to-buy-in-q3-2025-wall-street">Bank Of America Loves These 8 Stocks For Third Quarter—And Says To Dump These 2 Fast</a></li>
</ul>

JPMorgan, Citi To Kick Off Bank Earnings As Wall Street Sees Profit Boom

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) will release earnings results for the second quarter before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BAC/earnings">opening bell on Wednesday, July 16.</a>
Some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the firm's dividends. Currently, Bank of America offers an annual dividend yield of 2.20% — a quarterly dividend of 26 cents per share ($1.04 a year).
To figure out how to earn $500 monthly from Bank of America, we start with the yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months).
Next, we take this amount and divide it by Bank of America's $1.04 dividend: $6,000 / $1.04 = 5,769 shares.
So, an investor would need to own approximately $269,585 worth of Bank of America, or 5,769 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 / $1.04 = 1,154 shares, or $53,926 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100.
Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis; the dividend payment and the stock price 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.
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.
BAC Price Action: Shares of Bank of America fell by 0.5% to close at $46.73 on Friday.
Analysts expect the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company to report quarterly earnings at 87 cents per share. That&#8217;s up from 83 cents per share a year ago. Bank of America projects to report quarterly revenue at $26.77 billion. Compare that to $25.38 billion a year earlier, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
On July 9, Truist Securities analyst John McDonald maintained a Buy and raised the price target from $51 to $53.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="How to Find Dividend Stocks: Scan, Analyze, and Capture with Benzinga Pro" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pVF0O2lsEH4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/07/46364472/top-3-real-estate-stocks-that-may-fall-off-a-cliff-this-month">Top 3 Real Estate Stocks That May Fall Off A Cliff This Month</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Earnings

Long Ideas

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Trading Ideas

How To Earn $500 A Month From Bank of America Stock Ahead Of Q2 Earnings

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 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>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$385.00</td>
<td>$36.0K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>19.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$28.7K</td>
<td>5.9K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$81.00</td>
<td>$52.1K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WFC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$443.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ING</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$80.3K</td>
<td>41</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OWL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$57.9K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>552</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CHYM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$62.1K</td>
<td>880</td>
<td>396</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LNC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$46.0K</td>
<td>237</td>
<td>140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>V</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$335.00</td>
<td>$86.3K</td>
<td>450</td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$702.50</td>
<td>$37.0K</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• 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 bullish, is expiring today. Parties traded 80 contract(s) at a $385.00 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 $36.0K, with a price of $450.0 per contract. There were 2447 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 19757 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 35 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 250 contract(s) at a $46.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.7K, with a price of $115.0 per contract. There were 5957 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5045 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For C (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 2004 contract(s) at a $81.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.1K, with a price of $26.0 per contract. There were 1376 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2036 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For WFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 161 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1600 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $443.2K, with a price of $277.0 per contract. There were 1613 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1603 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ING (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ING#NYSE">ING</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 35 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 1460 contract(s) at a $22.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 17 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.3K, with a price of $55.0 per contract. There were 41 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1460 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For OWL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OWL#NYSE">OWL</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 189 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 552 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.9K, with a price of $105.0 per contract. There were 1685 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 552 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CHYM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHYM#NASDAQ">CHYM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 35 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 226 contract(s) at a $35.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $62.1K, with a price of $275.0 per contract. There were 880 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 396 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LNC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNC#NYSE">LNC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 35 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $46.0K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 237 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 140 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding V (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 189 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 25 contract(s) at a $335.00 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 $86.3K, with a price of $3455.0 per contract. There were 450 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 54 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 25 contract(s) at a $702.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.0K, with a price of $1481.0 per contract. There were 44 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 43 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

CHYM

COIN

10 Financials Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Once seen as one of Wall Street's favorite bets on a Trump presidency, regional bank stocks have lagged in 2025—but renewed optimism around deregulation and cheap valuations could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/expert-ideas">soon turn the tide.</a>
When Donald Trump won the presidential election for a second time in November 2024, regional bank stocks skyrocketed.
The SPDR Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>), which tracks 147 small- and mid-sized U.S. lenders, surged 13% on Nov. 6, 2024. That was its biggest one-day rally since the vaccine frenzy of November 2020, and excluding that anomaly, the strongest since October 2008.
The Russell 2000 index, which heavily weights regional banks, popped 6% that same day, outshining the S&amp;P 500's 2.5% and the Nasdaq 100's 2.7% moves. 
No other sector on Wall Street rallied as sharply as regional banks did following the 2024 election.
Investors were betting hard that a deregulatory Trump agenda would fuel profits, spark mergers and acquisitions and slash compliance costs for smaller banks.
After Trump was sworn in January, many expected a continuation of the rally, but that never came.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="525" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/10111357/image-122-1024x525.png" alt="" class="wp-image-980297" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/10111357/image-122-1024x525.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/10111357/image-122-300x154.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/10111357/image-122-768x394.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/10111357/image-122-1536x788.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/10111357/image-122-2048x1051.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Six Months In, This Trade Has Gone Nowhere—Yet</h2>
Six months into the new administration, the KRE ETF is barely unchanged for the year, while tech-heavy benchmarks continue to rise.
Some of the shine faded as investors realized that regulatory rollbacks would take time, and Federal Reserve rate cuts—key to boosting lending—never materialized.
While Wall Street has already rewarded large-cap financials—Investment Banking and Diversified Bank stocks have outperformed in 2025—regional banks have been left behind.
The iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers &amp; Securities Exchange ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAI#NYSE">IAI</a>) is up 18% year-to-date, nearly three times the gain of regional banks.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This Forgotten Trump Trade May Be Ready To Reignite, Says Wall Street Veteran</h2>
Ed Yardeni believes that's exactly why now might be the moment to look at regional banks again.
"The Regional Banks index can't boast that. But trading at a much lower P/E and with rosy earnings rebound prospects, Regional Banks may be the more interesting play," said the Wall Street veteran in a Thursday note.
Valuation is a big part of the bull case. 
Regional banks trade at a significant discount to large-cap banks, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio in the single digits. 
The Diversified Banks and Investment Banking &amp; Brokerage industries trade at the highest forward P/Es—13.3 and 15.9—while Regional Banks lag behind with the lowest at 11.1.
That's historically low, suggesting investors aren't yet pricing in a regulatory tailwind.
&#8220;The Regional Banks industry's forward revenues and operating earnings remain well off their 2023 highs, but earnings growth is expected to improve sharply from a 7.6% decline in 2024 to increases of 11.3% and 15.5% this year and next,&#8221; Yardeni said.
Mergers and acquisitions could also come back in vogue if Trump delivers on regulatory relief. During his first term, regional banks were among the most active dealmakers. 
A repeat could help mid-sized lenders scale up in a competitive landscape dominated by giants like JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>)
Read now: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46330576/big-banks-q2-earnings-july-2025">Big Bank Stocks Soared In 2025—But This Earnings Season Could Shake Things Up</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Government

Mid Cap

Regulations

Sector ETFs

Small Cap

Federal Reserve

Analyst Ratings

iShares Dow Jones US Broker Dealers Index Fund

This Trump Trade Boomed After Election—Now It May Be Making A Comeback

Wall Street's biggest banks have rallied hard in 2025, outpacing the S&amp;P 500 with an average 18% year-to-date gain, but as second-quarter earnings roll in starting July 15, analysts warn the easy gain may <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">already be priced in.</a>
In a note shared Wednesday, Bank of America analyst Ebrahim H. Poonawala said this earnings season may represent a &#8220;breather&#8221; for the group.
While structural tailwinds remain strong, especially for names like Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) and Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), the absence of fresh catalysts in the second half could slow the pace of gains unless earnings surprises deliver.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Bank</th>
<th>YTD return as of July 9, 2025</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) </td>
<td>22.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citigroup Inc.</td>
<td>22.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>)</td>
<td>13.84</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wells Fargo &amp; Company</td>
<td>17.44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</td>
<td>19.86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>)</td>
<td>7.83</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">JPMorgan Sets The Bar—But It's Already High</h3>
According to Poonawala, JPMorgan is expected to post earnings per share of $4.48 for the second quarter, slightly above consensus.
 Net interest income is expected at $11.96 billion, up 3.4% quarter over quarter, with FY25 guidance revised higher to $95.2 billion. 
CFO Jeremy Barnum said 2025 net interest income might "end up a little better, maybe by $1 billion," reflecting fewer expected Fed cuts. But with JPMorgan stock already up sharply by 19% year to date, the market is wondering if the near-term upside is limited.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Citi And Wells Fargo: Underdogs With Upside?</h3>
Citigroup could be one of the most interesting stories this quarter. While its second-quarter EPS estimate was trimmed to $1.62 by Bank of America, focus will be on whether its multi-year restructuring plan is finally bearing fruit.
Citigroup's trading revenues, adjusted for a $400 million gain from the sale of Visa shares, are expected to grow more than 17% year over year. The bank reaffirmed full-year revenue guidance of $83.1 billion to $84.1 billion.
Wells Fargo &amp; Co. is entering its first full quarter without the Fed-imposed asset cap. Second-quarter EPS is estimated at $1.42, with full-year net interest income projected at $48.5 billion, representing 1.1% year-over-year growth.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Capital Markets Slowdown A Drag On Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs?</h3>
Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs face tougher comps. Morgan Stanley's second-quarter EPS was cut to $1.96 due to higher provisions and lower net interest income. Still, the bank is seen as stable, supported by strong equity trading and its high-performing wealth management arm, which contributes around 40% of earnings.
Goldman Sachs, on the other hand, is forecast to post an EPS of $9.74, slightly above the consensus.
Strength in trading (+7% YoY) and improving M&amp;A activity are offsetting weaker asset management results. The bank has a $40 billion buyback program and increased dividends to $4.00 per share, reflecting confidence in future performance.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BNY Mellon and Northern Trust: M&amp;A Buzz Builds</h3>
M&amp;A chatter is swirling around The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BK#NYSE">BK</a>) and Northern Trust Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTRS#NASDAQ">NTRS</a>). BNY's Q2 EPS was raised to $1.80, as deposit strength lifts full-year NII growth to 6.8% year over year. 
Northern Trust is expected to deliver $2.08 in second-quarter EPS, driven by a strong wealth management business (accounting for 50% of profits) and deposit inflows.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/07/46306953/emerging-markets-etfs-inflows-iemg-vwo-2025">Wall Street Is On Fire—So Why Is This Wall Of Cash Moving Abroad? </a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Large Cap

NTRS

Big Bank Stocks Soared In 2025—But This Earnings Season Could Shake Things Up

Truist Securities analyst John McDonald maintains Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $51 to $53.

Price Target

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Bank of America, Raises Price Target to $53

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) will release earnings results for the second quarter, before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BAC/earnings">opening bell on Wednesday, July 16.</a>
Analysts expect the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company to report quarterly earnings at 87 cents per share, up from 83 cents per share in the year-ago period. Bank of America projects to report quarterly revenue at $26.77 billion, compared to $25.38 billion a year earlier, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
On July 1, the company plans to increase its quarterly dividend by 8% to 28 cents per share.
Bank of America shares fell 3.1% to close at $47.15 on Tuesday.
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let's have a look at how Benzinga's most-accurate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/bac/analyst-ratings">analysts have rated the company</a> in the recent period.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>HSBC analyst Saul Martinez downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold and raised the price target from $47 to $51 on July 8, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 69%.</li>
<li>RBC Capital analyst Gerard Cassidy maintained an Outperform rating and increased the price target from $45 to $53 on June 30, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 78%.</li>
<li>Baird analyst David George downgraded the stock from Outperform to Neutral with a price target of $52 on June 27, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 73%.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Keith Horowitz maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $50 to $54 on June 26, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 79%.</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Richard Ramsden maintained a Buy rating and boosted the price target from $46 to $52 on June 10, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 71%.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying BAC stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/bac/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="587" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/08222627/image-86-1024x587.png" alt="" class="wp-image-977412" style="width:614px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/08222627/image-86-1024x587.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/08222627/image-86-300x172.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/08222627/image-86-768x441.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/08222627/image-86.png 1121w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Read This Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/07/46296650/top-2-industrials-stocks-you-may-want-to-dump-this-quarter">Top 2 Industrials Stocks You May Want To Dump This Quarter</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Bank of America Likely To Report Higher Q2 Earnings; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call

Market veteran Warren Buffett, famous for his value investing, is indirectly invested in high-dividend yield stocks via Berkshire Hathaway Inc.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRA#NYSE">BRA</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) subsidiary New England Asset Management.
What Happened: In 1998, Berkshire Hathaway acquired General Re Corp., which in turn owned New England Asset Management (NEAM).
Therefore, NEAM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. While Buffett doesn&#8217;t directly oversee NEAM&#8217;s investment decisions, the portfolio managed by NEAM is considered part of Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s overall holdings.
Thus, according to its 13F filings, NEAM holds at least nine stocks that have a dividend yield ranging from 5% to 10.5%.
While most of these nine stocks constitute less than 1% of NEAM&#8217;s 122 holdings as of the end of the first quarter of 2025, only Kraft Heinz Co. is common between Berkshire and NEAM&#8217;s portfolio.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Company</td>
<td>Value (as of March 31)</td>
<td>% Of Holdings (as of March 31)</td>
<td>Number Of Shares</td>
<td>Change From Dec. 31, 2024 (in %)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kraft Heinz Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>)</td>
<td>$2.215 million</td>
<td>0.40%</td>
<td>72,810</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Golub Capital BDC Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GBDC#NASDAQ">GBDC</a>)</td>
<td>$3.525 million</td>
<td>0.60%</td>
<td>232,876</td>
<td>0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ares Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARCC#NASDAQ">ARCC</a>)</td>
<td>$5.005 million</td>
<td>0.80%</td>
<td>225,900</td>
<td>0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>)</td>
<td>$3.939 million</td>
<td>0.60%</td>
<td>155,448</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>)</td>
<td>$2.407 million</td>
<td>0.40%</td>
<td>39,476</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Campbell&#8217;s Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPB#NASDAQ">CPB</a>)</td>
<td>$2.582 million</td>
<td>0.40%</td>
<td>64,690</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Realty Income Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/O#NYSE">O</a>)</td>
<td>$3.198 million</td>
<td>0.50%</td>
<td>55,140</td>
<td>NEW</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamar Advertising Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAMR#NASDAQ">LAMR</a>)</td>
<td>$6.577 million</td>
<td>1.10%</td>
<td>57,805</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>)</td>
<td>$8.926 million</td>
<td>1.40%</td>
<td>196,795</td>
<td>9%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Meanwhile, these stocks have not performed well on a year-to-date basis, but their high dividend yields are what make them lucrative, as per <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
These yields are considered high when compared to the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&#8217;s 1.2% dividend yield as of March 21, highlights <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY/dividends">Benzinga</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Company</td>
<td>Dividend Yield</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kraft Heinz Co. </td>
<td>6.10%</td>
<td>-14.10%</td>
<td>-17.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Golub Capital BDC Inc. </td>
<td>10.50%</td>
<td>-2.75%</td>
<td>-5.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ares Capital Corp. </td>
<td>8.60%</td>
<td>0.95%</td>
<td>6.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pfizer Inc. </td>
<td>6.70%</td>
<td>-3.72%</td>
<td>-7.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. </td>
<td>5.30%</td>
<td>-17.17%</td>
<td>15.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Campbell&#8217;s Co. </td>
<td>5.00%</td>
<td>-26.15%</td>
<td>-31.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Realty Income Corp.</td>
<td>5.60%</td>
<td>9.30%</td>
<td>8.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamar Advertising Co. </td>
<td>5.00%</td>
<td>2.12%</td>
<td>4.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verizon Communications Inc.</td>
<td>6.30%</td>
<td>7.09%</td>
<td>4.26%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46293440/tom-lee-loves-ethereum-but-is-solana-quietly-taking-over-this-expert-says-sol-will-outperform-eth-heres-more">Tom Lee Loves Ethereum, But Is Solana Quietly Taking Over? This Expert Says SOL Will &#8216;Outperform&#8217; ETH — Here&#8217;s More</a>
Why It Matters: Investors keenly follow the trades of the &#8216;Oracle of Omaha&#8217; &#8211; Buffett, for a deeper insight into his expertise.
His direct and indirect investments through Berkshire or other subsidiaries or holding companies influence the decisions of several investors.
Berkshire&#8217;s top holdings as of the first quarter 13F filings include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), American Express Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), and Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose slightly in premarket on Wednesday. The SPY was up 0.011% at $620.41, while the QQQ advanced 0.049% to $552.61, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46269226/stocks-just-hit-rare-golden-cross-for-1st-time-since-2023-heres-what-it-means-for-investors">Stocks Just Hit Rare Golden Cross For 1st Time Since 2023 — Here&#8217;s What It Means For Investors</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: mark reinstein / Shutterstock.com

Warren Buffett's Quiet Dividend Play: 9 High-Yield Stocks Held By A Berkshire Subsidiary

Bank of America Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) shares are trading lower Tuesday after HSBC downgraded the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/stock-split/25/07/46266095/warren-buffett-skips-big-banks-like-jpmorgan-and-wells-fargo-bets-459-million-on-this-one-asset"> stock from Buy to Hold. </a>
What To Know: The downgrade comes despite HSBC raising its price target on Bank of America from $47 to $51, signaling that while there may still be upside, the stock's recent rally may have already priced in most of the near-term positives.
The downgrade was part of a broader reassessment of large U.S. banks by HSBC analyst Saul Martinez, who also cut ratings on JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-08/wall-street-bank-stocks-jpm-gs-bac-furious-rally-spurs-hsbc-downgrades?embedded-checkout=true">according to Bloomberg</a>. Martinez cited "downside risks" that he believes are not yet reflected in current valuations, including persistent macroeconomic uncertainty, the potential for slowing economic growth and expectations for further interest rate cuts in 2025 and 2026.
Bank of America has surged nearly 40% from its April lows, part of a strong rally in the banking sector fueled by optimism around earnings, stress test results and looser regulations. However, the KBW Bank Index, which tracks major U.S. lenders, ended an 11-day winning streak on Monday, the longest run in its history, indicating that the sector may be entering a more volatile phase.
HSBC maintained a more favorable view on super-regional banks such as U.S. Bancorp and PNC Financial, calling them better valued even after their own rallies. For now, the shift in sentiment appears to be weighing on Wall Street's biggest names, including Bank of America.
BAC Price Action: Bank of America shares were down 2.65% at $47.37 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?new_user=False&amp;backend=google-oauth2">Benzinga Pro.</a>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46296421/goldman-sachs-raises-sp500-forecast-6900">S&amp;P 500 Near 7,000? Inside Goldman&#8217;s New Gravity-Defying Forecast</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock.

Movers

Bank of America Falls After HSBC Downgrade, Citing Overvaluation And Economic Risks

WIIM

Bank of America shares are trading lower after HSBC downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold, despite raising the price target from $47 to $51.

HSBC analyst Saul Martinez downgrades Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) from Buy to Hold and raises the price target from $47 to $51.

Downgrades

HSBC Downgrades Bank of America to Hold, Raises Price Target to $51

Billionaire investor&nbsp;Warren Buffett&nbsp;has shifted his investment strategy, investing $459 million in Sirius XM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>) after selling his stakes in&nbsp;Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), and Wells Fargo (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>).
What Happened: Buffett&#8217;s investment firm,&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway, acquired approximately&nbsp;20 million shares of Sirius&nbsp;XM between Q3 2024 and Q1 2025. 
This investment, calculated based on an average share price of $22.95, boosts Berkshire&#8217;s total holdings in Sirius to nearly 120 million shares, valued at approximately $2.9 billion.
According to Hathaway's latest Form 13F <a href="https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001067983">filings</a>, the purchase represents an effort to capitalize on a dip in Sirius XM&#8217;s stock, which has plummeted&nbsp;about 45% from its 52-week&nbsp;high of $41.60 to $24.29. 
Despite recent financial challenges, including a 4% revenue drop in Q1 2025 and ongoing subscriber losses in Q2, Sirius XM&#8217;s&nbsp;strong brand and recurring revenue&nbsp;model likely offer long-term value to Buffett.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45602557/warren-buffett-advocates-for-stocks-over-real-estate-as-long-term-investments-theres-so-much-more-opportunity-in-stock-market-than-in-real-estate">Buffett Advocates For Stocks Over Real Estate As Long-Term Investments: &#8216;There&#8217;s So Much More Opportunity In Stock Market Than In Real Estate&#8217;</a>
This strategic move follows Buffett&#8217;s consistent offloading of shares from&nbsp;Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, thereby freeing up a significant cash reserve for new investments.
Why It Matters: The shift in Buffett&#8217;s investment strategy underscores his confidence in Sirius XM&#8217;s long-term potential, despite its recent financial setbacks. 
The investment in Sirius XM, a company known for its&nbsp;strong brand and recurring revenue&nbsp;model, aligns with Buffett&#8217;s investment philosophy of buying stocks with solid fundamentals at a discount.
Moreover, the offloading of shares from&nbsp;Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, suggests a potential shift in Buffett&#8217;s view on the banking sector. 
This move could signal a broader trend among investors, who may also be reassessing their positions in these banks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45185944/warren-buffett-shares-surprising-advice-for-young-investors-and-its-not-about-stocks-who-you-associate-with-is-just-enormously-important">Warren Buffett Shares Surprising Advice for Young Investors—And It&#8217;s Not About Stocks: &#8216;Who You Associate With Is Just Enormously Important&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Tech

SIRI

Warren Buffett Skips Big Banks Like JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, Bets $459 Million On This One Asset

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
Markets closed out a holiday‑shortened week with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reaching fresh record highs. The rally was powered by unexpectedly strong job growth, robust factory orders, and a surprise U.S.-Vietnam trade deal that lifted sentiment.
Under the Vietnam deal, the U.S. will impose a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and 40% on transshipped goods, while offering U.S. companies tariff‑free access to Vietnam's domestic market — a strategic win ahead of the July 9 tariff deadline.
With June payrolls beating forecasts (+147,000 jobs, unemployment at 4.1%) and industrial orders surging, markets concluded the week on a confident note. Still, rate‑cut odds dropped sharply as the job strength reduced the case for a July Fed cut.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46236303/datadog-stock-surges-on-sp-500-inclusion">"Datadog stock surges on S&amp;P 500 inclusion"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Datadog Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) jumped more than 9% after being named to replace Juniper Networks in the S&amp;P 500, a move expected to trigger increased institutional buying and index-tracking fund inflows.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46250801/sharplink-gaming-sbet-stock-is-trending-today-whats-going-on">"SharpLink Gaming stock is trending today: what's going on?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that SharpLink Gaming Inc. (NASDAQ: SBET) shares rose about 6% mid‑day on Thursday after the company highlighted its Ethereum treasury strategy — staking its ETH reserves into protocols, earning 102 ETH in late June, and announcing it will ring the Nasdaq closing bell in celebration of the move.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46204827/stock-of-the-day-bank-of-america-breaks-out">"Stock of the Day: Bank of America breaks out"</a>, by Mark Putrino, reports that Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) appears to have broken through a key resistance level — suggesting rising demand may be propelling the stock into a sustained upward trend.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/07/46210595/650-later-rocket-lab-ceo-isnt-one-bit-worried">650% Later, Rocket Lab CEO Isn't One Bit Worried</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46260998/apple-store-stock-performance-july-analysis">Apple's App Store Just Had A Blowout Quarter — And That Might Be The Signal Bulls Needed</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46246380/iren-stock-is-rising-thursday-whats-going-on">IREN Stock Is Rising Thursday: What's Going On?</a>

The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/guidance/25/07/46209736/centene-withdraws-2025-guidance-shares-dive">"Centene withdraws 2025 guidance, shares dive"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) stock plunged over 21% after it pulled its full-year 2025 guidance — citing a preliminary actuarial review showing a $1.8 billion reduction in risk adjustment revenue and a projected $2.75 EPS hit — triggering a sell‑off across the health insurance sector.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46235023/lucid-reports-q2-production-delivery-numbers-shares-stall">"Lucid reports Q2 production, delivery numbers, shares stall"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) produced 3,863 vehicles in Q2 and delivered 3,309, both record highs year‑over‑year but short of Wall Street estimates, causing shares to stall despite continued progress in scaling production and demand.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46242782/why-qualcomms-stock-isnt-soaring-like-its-rivals">"Why Qualcomm's stock isn't soaring like its rivals"</a>, by Anusuya Lahiri, reports that Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) has delivered modest 6% year‑to‑date gains — trailing the PHLX Semiconductor Index's 13% and Nvidia's 43% — due to its heavy reliance on handset markets and slower diversification into AI and data‑center chips.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46222916/centenes-guidance-withdrawal-spooks-sector-oscar-health-stock-falls">Centene's Guidance Withdrawal Spooks Sector, Oscar Health Stock Falls</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46220830/united-health-stock-is-sliding-today-whats-going-on">United Health Stock Is Sliding Today: What's Going On?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46252812/webull-stock-is-sliding-after-the-close-whats-going-on">Webull Stock Is Sliding After The Close: What's Going On?</a>

Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

BULL

DDOG

IREN

LCID

OSCR

QCOM

RKLB

SBET

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Datadog, Centene, Lucid — And US Makes Surprise Trade Deal With Vietnam

Corsair Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRSR#NASDAQ">CRSR</a>) ("Corsair" or the "Company"), a leading global provider and innovator of high-performance products for gamers, streamers, content-creators, gaming PC builders and SIM driving enthusiasts, today announced it has refinanced its existing revolving and term loan credit facility with a new $100 million revolving credit facility and $125 million term loan facility with Bank of America. The new term loan balance also reflects a $24 million repayment made in Q2 2025.
Borrowings under the new Bank of America credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to either a base rate or term SOFR, plus an applicable margin that varies based on the Company's consolidated total net leverage ratio. The current interest rate for SOFR borrowings under the new credit facilities is term SOFR plus 1.50%. The maturity date of the new credit facilities is June 30, 2030.
The $100 million revolving credit facility continues to remain fully available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, and other strategic investments.

CRSR

Corsair Secures $225M in New Credit From Bank of America to Fuel Growth and Strategic Investments

Wall Street's biggest banks are rewarding shareholders with a wave of dividend hikes and buybacks totaling more than $100 billion, after clearing the Federal Reserve's 2025 stress test with capital left to spare.
What Happened: Last week, the Federal Reserve&#8217;s annual stress test, which gauges how well large institutions can withstand a severe recession scenario, showed all 22 participating firms remained comfortably above minimum capital requirements.
The aggregate common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio dropped to a low of 11.6% under the hypothetical downturn, well above the regulatory threshold of 4.5%, according <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2025-dfast-results-20250627.pdf">to</a> the results published by the Fed.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46208521/circle-crcl-stock-bank-bid-crypto-stablecoins">Circle&#8217;s Bank Bid Could Be The Biggest Crypto Story Of The Year</a>
This means that even under the Fed's severely adverse scenario, which includes a deep recession, surging unemployment, and sharp declines in asset prices, the largest banks would still maintain a strong capital cushion, without requiring any government support.
As a result, several of the nation&#8217;s leading banks have wasted no time in announcing major capital return plans for shareholders. 
JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) led the way with a 7% hike in dividends, alongside $50 billion in fresh stock buyback authorizations. This was the result of a lower stress capital buffer of 2.5%, down from 3.3%, allowing it to free up capital to return to investors.
Similarly, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) authorized a $20 billion buyback program, along with a 10% hike in its dividends, followed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), all raising their dividends in response to the results, according to a report by Reuters.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stock / ETF</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">1-Day</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Capital Return</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.17%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+21.00%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">7% dividend hike, plus $50 billion in buyback authorizations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.15%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+13.05%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10% dividend hike, $20 billion in buybacks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-0.18%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+22.87%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dividends up 33%, from $3 to $4 annualized</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+1.77%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+16.10%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dividends up 12.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+1.35%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+23.35%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+7.1% Quarterly dividend increase from $0.56 to $0.60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+1.85%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+8.72%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dividends hiked 8% to $0.28 per share, starting Q3 2025</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.55%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+9.23%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">&#8211;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Why It Matters: While the major banks passed the tests with ease, analysts note that the simulated downturn <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46158087/big-banks-pass-feds-2025-stress-test-with-ease-but-some-say-it-was-too-easy">made milder assumptions</a> compared to the previous year, featuring smaller declines in housing and commercial real estate prices, alongside a more moderate spike in unemployment.
The 2025 test also failed to include private equity and private credit risks that have since ballooned into a $2 trillion market over the years.
In 2024, the study results were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39525918/major-banks-fall-short-in-feds-2024-stress-test-results-the-market-will-view-the-re">worse than expected</a> for most banks, with higher projected losses compared to the prior year. However, all 31 of the major banks met the capital requirements to address a severe crisis. 
Price Action: Shares of JPMorgan Chase were up 0.17% on Tuesday, at $290.41, and are up 0.64% after hours.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="146" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/02022444/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-11.54.28-AM-1024x146.png" alt="" class="wp-image-969746" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/02022444/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-11.54.28-AM-1024x146.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/02022444/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-11.54.28-AM-300x43.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/02022444/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-11.54.28-AM-768x109.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/02022444/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-11.54.28-AM.png 1532w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
JPMorgan scores well on Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, and has a favorable price trend in the short, medium and long terms. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here</a> to see how it compares with peers and competitors such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. 
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/46128179/top-3-bank-stocks-to-watch-as-fed-rate-cuts-loom">Top 3 Bank Stocks to Watch as Fed Rate Cuts Loom</a></li>
</ul>

Macro Economic Events

Economics

Wall Street's $100 Billion Payout Parade: JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Lead Capital Return Wave After Acing Fed's 2025 Stress Test

Bank of America Says The 2025 Stress Test Results Indicated Modeled Capital Depletion Improved 100 bps To 170 bps.; Co. To Increase Dividend From $0.26 To $0.28/Share

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) is trading higher on Tuesday. The shares appear <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/dividends/25/07/46199040/90b-capital-cushion-bank-shareholder-payday-goldman-sachs">to be breaking out</a>. This can be a bullish dynamic and it would suggest the stock will continue to trade higher.
This is why Bank of America is our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-of-the-day">Stock of the Day</a>.
With the market at all-time highs, it isn't a surprise that there are many stocks breaking out. Bank of America is one of them.
If a stock is in an uptrend, it is because the market for it is out of equilibrium. There are more shares to be bought than to be sold. Buyers are forced to outbid each other to draw sellers in off of the sidelines.
This pushes the price up.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="590" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/01141244/one13-1024x590.png" alt="" class="wp-image-969152" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/01141244/one13-1024x590.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/01141244/one13-300x173.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/01141244/one13-768x442.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/01141244/one13.png 1408w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46194043/apple-stock-analysis-july-sp500-seasonality">Apple Stock Had A Nightmare Year — But It May Be Nearing A Turning Point</a>
Resistance is a price level or narrow zone where there is a lot of sell interest. There are enough sell orders to fill all of the buy orders. This is why rallies end or pause when they reach resistance.
Sometimes, stocks reverse and trend lower after hitting resistance.
This happens when sellers become anxious and impatient. They know that those who wish to buy will go to whoever is willing to sell at the lowest price.
Anxious sellers don't want other traders to undercut them. So, they reduce the prices they are willing to sell at. Other anxious sellers see this and do the same thing. This can result in a snowball effect that forces the price lower.
But sometimes when a stock reaches resistance, the buyers eventually overpower the sellers and move the price above. This is called a breakout.
Breakouts can be a bullish dynamic for a stock. It shows that the investors and traders who created the resistance with their sell orders have left the market. They have either finished or canceled their orders.
With this large amount of supply taken off the market, buyers may need to outbid each other again to draw sellers back in. This can create a new uptrend and it may be happening with Bank of America.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/07/46198778/summer-travel-dollar-costs-paris-london-cancun">A Sinking Dollar Is Making Your Dream Vacation Way More Pricey This Year</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

Stock Of The Day: Bank Of America Breaks Out

Goldman Sachs analysts are cautiously optimistic about the prospect of major U.S. banks returning more capital to shareholders <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dividend-stocks">through buybacks and dividends</a>. 
Thanks to regulatory changes and strong results in the Federal Reserve's latest stress tests (CCAR), the top five banks are sitting on an estimated $90 billion in excess capital.
The firm believes banks will gradually raise dividends and continue buybacks, especially as new Fed rules free up an estimated $5.5 trillion in balance sheet capacity. This gives banks more flexibility, especially in stressful times.
Among individual banks, Goldman Sachs names Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>) as the "best-positioned stocks."  
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Bank of America stands out for its strong interest income growth (projected 7% annually through 2026), cost discipline, and potential benefit from regulatory reform. Goldman sees upside to both earnings and capital returns, making the stock attractive at current valuations. The analyst rated the stock as Buy, with the price target lifted from $52 to $56.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo, with its regulatory asset cap lifted, is expected to boost growth in core banking and trading businesses. Cost-cutting efforts and efficiency improvements could lift profits significantly, with up to 19% earnings upside forecast. The stock is also rated Buy, with the price target raised from $86 to $92.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/595e3a7c988ca80001dc7d9c/richard-ramsden">Analyst Richard Ramsden</a> also revised estimates ahead of the second-quarter results of five other U.S. banks:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Citigroup Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) &#8211; rated Buy, with price target raised from $85 to $96.</li>
<li>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) &#8211; rated Buy, with price target raised from $305 to $323.</li>
<li>US Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) &#8211; rated Neutral, with price target raised from $46 to $49.</li>
<li>PNC Financial Services Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNC#NYSE">PNC</a>) &#8211; rated Neutral, with price target raised from $178 to $196.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) &#8211; rated Neutral, with price target raised from $136 to $147.</li>
</ul>
Ramsden expects banks to report sequential NII (net interest income) growth in the second quarter, due to an uptick in loan growth. The trading revenue environment "remains healthy" in the near term, he added.
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46158087/big-banks-pass-feds-2025-stress-test-with-ease-but-some-say-it-was-too-easy">Big Banks Pass Fed&#8217;s 2025 Stress Test With Ease—But Some Say It Was Too Easy</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

$90 Billion Capital Cushion Points To Serious Bank Shareholder Payday: Goldman Sachs

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>HOOD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$26.3K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>10.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$64.0K</td>
<td>13.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TFC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$43.50</td>
<td>$99.0K</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OSCR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$30.8K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>549</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GPN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$31.3K</td>
<td>227</td>
<td>482</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$217.7K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>347</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/18/26</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$59.1K</td>
<td>137</td>
<td>283</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SOFI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$32.6K</td>
<td>14.5K</td>
<td>276</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$60.1K</td>
<td>546</td>
<td>130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JEF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$27.0K</td>
<td>107</td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For HOOD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 3 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 95 contract(s) at a $93.00 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 $26.3K, with a price of $277.0 per contract. There were 2837 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10245 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BAC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 46 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $64.0K, with a price of $320.0 per contract. There were 13252 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1605 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFC#NYSE">TFC</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 18 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 1100 contract(s) at a $43.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $99.0K, with a price of $90.0 per contract. There were 23 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1101 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For OSCR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSCR#NYSE">OSCR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 81 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 134 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.8K, with a price of $233.0 per contract. There were 2250 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 549 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GPN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPN#NYSE">GPN</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 81 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 481 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.3K, with a price of $65.0 per contract. There were 227 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 482 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 neutral sentiment. It expires in 46 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 102 contract(s) at a $380.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $217.7K, with a price of $2135.0 per contract. There were 1528 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 347 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 put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 445 day(s) on September 18, 2026. Parties traded 102 contract(s) at a $65.00 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 $59.1K, with a price of $580.0 per contract. There were 137 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 283 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SOFI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 564 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 26 contract(s) at a $7.00 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 $32.6K, with a price of $1255.0 per contract. There were 14565 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 276 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding JPM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 172 day(s) on December 19, 2025. Parties traded 25 contract(s) at a $285.00 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 $60.1K, with a price of $2405.0 per contract. There were 546 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 130 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For JEF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JEF#NYSE">JEF</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 18 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.0K, with a price of $540.0 per contract. There were 107 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 51 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

HOOD

PYPL

SOFI

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Citigroup analyst George Gianarikas downgraded the rating for Lyft, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LYFT#NASDAQ">LYFT</a>) from Buy to Hold and lowered the price target from $22 to $14. Lyft shares closed at $15.85 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Canaccord Genuity analyst George Gianarikas downgraded Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) from Buy to Hold and cut the price target from $90 to $84. Uber shares closed at $93.12 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Trey Grooms downgraded GMS Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GMS#NYSE">GMS</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and maintained the price target of $95. GMS shares closed at $98.54 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird analyst David George downgraded Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and maintained the price target of $52. Bank of America shares closed at $47.46 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying UBER stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UBER/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="552" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27101911/image-426-1024x552.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965002" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27101911/image-426-1024x552.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27101911/image-426-300x162.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27101911/image-426-768x414.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27101911/image-426.png 1153w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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LYFT

UBER

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Press Releases

Special Olympics Celebrates One Year Countdown to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Announces Three-Year BofA Grant and Platinum Partnership

Bank of America Comments on Stress Test Results; Plans to Increase Quarterly Dividend 8% to $0.28 Per Share

BofA Directs Additional $1 Million to Los Angeles Nonprofits for Evolving Fire Recovery Needs

Monuments Men and Women Foundation's Forever Promise Project Receives Critical Support from Bank of America

Bank of America to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Host Investor Conference Call on July 16

Small-Cap Stock Old National Bancorp Quietly Outperforms Wall Street

Star Mountain Capital Transitions Peter K. Scaturro, Sr. To Vice Chairman

Bank of America, N.A. Announces Redemptions of $2,000,000,000 5.650% Senior Bank Notes and $400,000,000 Floating Rate Senior Bank Notes, Due August 2025

Offerings

Bank of America Announces Redemption of $2,000,000,000 4.827% Fixed/Floating Rate Senior Notes, Due July 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

BBVA

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)

Comments

Bank of America

Unusual Options Activity for

Noticias

SOCIO/CONTRIBUIDOR

BENZINGA GLOBAL

Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
12:08 PMJul 14, 2025	PUT	$44.00	Jul 18, 2025	2	40364	40000	148	27287	TRADE	BEARISH
10:23 AMJul 14, 2025	PUT	$46.00	Jul 18, 2025	2	8689	8400	151	5761	TRADE	BULLISH
11:21 AMJul 09, 2025	PUT	$45.00	Jan 15, 2027	548	3000	3000	53	5667	TRADE	NEUTRAL
01:35 PMJul 08, 2025	PUT	$42.00	Jun 18, 2026	337	2509	2500	19	13170	TRADE	BEARISH