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

Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) Bolsa, Informe de interés en corto

Moderna

Moderna is a commercial-stage biotech that was founded in 2010 and had its initial public offering in December 2018. The firm's mRNA technology was rapidly validated with its covid vaccine, which was authorized in the United States in December 2020. Moderna had 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development as of September 2024. Programs span a wide range of therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic diseases.

Moderna Inc

Argus Research analyst John Eade downgrades Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) from Buy to Hold.

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Argus Research Downgrades Moderna to Hold

Wall Street began Tuesday&#8217;s session on a weaker note, with major indices slipping after November's robust retail sales report reignited investor concerns that the Federal Reserve might hold back interest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42514008/fed-poised-to-cut-interest-rates-by-0-25-this-week-heres-why-your-focus-should-shift-to-other-signals">rate cuts next year. </a>
The data, which underscored resilient consumer spending heading into the holiday season, added a fresh layer of uncertainty to the Fed's future rate path ahead of Wednesday&#8217;s highly awaited December Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
Retail sales surged 0.7% last month, outperforming consensus estimates of a 0.5% increase and marking a notable acceleration from October's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42529956/november-retail-sales-soar-to-11-month-highs-indicate-strong-holiday-season">upwardly revised 0.5% gain. </a>
On an annual basis, sales climbed 3.8%, hitting their fastest pace since December 2023. A significant portion of the strength came from auto sales, which soared 2.6% on a monthly basis and by a robust 6.5% year-over-year, highlighting consumers' willingness to make big-ticket purchases in the fourth quarter of the year.
Spending was also robust in other categories. Nonstore retailers, driven by e-commerce activity, posted a 1.8% monthly gain, reflecting the growing dominance of online shopping as the holiday season commenced. Sporting goods, hobby, and book stores registered a 0.9% uptick, showing steady demand for discretionary items.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reaction: Pressure Builds On Equities</h3>
The stronger-than-expected data put equity markets under pressure, as investors recalibrated their expectations for the Fed's next moves. 
The S&amp;P 500 index – as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) – and Dow Jones Industrial Average both fell 0.7%, while 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>) – slid 0.8%, weighed down by weakness in the chip sector. 
Semiconductor stocks led the downturn amid renewed geopolitical tensions after reports surfaced that China is broadening antitrust scrutiny on U.S. chipmakers&#8217; acquisitions in recent years. Last week, Beijing opened an investigation on U.S. chip giant Nvidia Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) 2019 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investors Face Fed Uncertainty</h3>
The robust retail sales data is the latest in a series of reports—alongside <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/24/12/42460477/producer-inflation-rises-more-than-expected-to-3-in-november-cast-shadow-on-further-disinflation-progress">hotter-than-expected inflation prints</a> and upbeat <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42511277/us-services-sector-booms-at-fastest-pace-since-october-2021-business-activity-leaps-to-over-two-year-highs">December Purchasing Managers&#8217; Index surveys</a>—that challenge the case for aggressive rate cuts next year.
While a 25-basis-point reduction at the Fed's policy meeting this week is widely anticipated, the central bank's outlook for 2025 remains in question.
Fed fund futures now suggest an 80% chance the Fed will hold rates steady at its January meeting, while expectations for a March rate cut have softened, with odds slipping to 58% from 60% a day earlier.
Betting-implied odds from CFTC-regulated Kalshi continue to suggest an elevated 92% probability of four cuts next year, yet financial markets now imply only three rate cuts. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 S&amp;P 500 Performers</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Price ($)</th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEDG#NASDAQ">SEDG</a>)</td>
<td>14.35</td>
<td>+16.57%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>)</td>
<td>26.24</td>
<td>+3.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>)</td>
<td>68.65</td>
<td>+3.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</td>
<td>475.11</td>
<td>+2.82%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>)</td>
<td>42.81</td>
<td>+2.37%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 S&amp;P 500 Losers</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Price ($)</th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</td>
<td>234.36</td>
<td>-6.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>)</td>
<td>21.00</td>
<td>-4.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Constellation Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>)</td>
<td>231.09</td>
<td>-3.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>)</td>
<td>252.18</td>
<td>-3.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NRG#NYSE">NRG</a>)</td>
<td>91.18</td>
<td>-3.25%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 Nasdaq 100 Performers</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Price ($)</th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI9 </td>
<td>34.47</td>
<td>+3.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla Inc.</td>
<td>472.84</td>
<td>+2.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/regn#NASDAQ">REGN</a>)</td>
<td>740.51</td>
<td>+2.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)</td>
<td>738.86</td>
<td>+2.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXP#NASDAQ">NXP</a>)</td>
<td>222.95</td>
<td>+2.21%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 Nasdaq 100 Losers</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Price ($)</th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>)</td>
<td>114.10</td>
<td>-8.52%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom</td>
<td>234.15</td>
<td>-6.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nvidia</td>
<td>127.15</td>
<td>-3.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Constellation Energy</td>
<td>231.04</td>
<td>-3.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SiriusXM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>)</td>
<td>22.02</td>
<td>-2.76%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read now: 
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Stocks Slip As Strong November Retail Sales Raise Concerns Over 2025 Fed Rate Cuts

Super Micro Computer, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock is trading below its 50-day moving average as it awaits removal from the Nasdaq 100 Index on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42494812/annual-changes-to-the-nasdaq-100-index" rel="noreferrer noopener">December 23, 2024</a>, joining the likes of Illumina, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Moderna, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>).
Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), and Axon Enterprise Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>) entered the coveted club as a replacement.
The Nasdaq-100 Index comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies on The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42514598/hubspots-ai-powered-tools-set-to-drive-smb-growth-and-crm-innovation-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">HubSpot To Dominate SMB CRM Space With AI-Driven Platform, Says BofA Analyst</a>
Established in January 1985 alongside the Nasdaq Financial-100 Index, which tracks the 100 largest financial stocks on Nasdaq, these indexes serve as benchmarks for financial instruments like options, futures, and funds.
The Nasdaq-100 undergoes an annual reconstitution each December, aligned with the quadruple witching expiration on Friday of the quarter.
Super Micro Computer stock plunged 62% in the last six months. Reportedly, the AI server company has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/financing/24/12/42506690/super-micro-seeks-to-raise-capital-via-equity-and-debt" rel="noreferrer noopener">enlisted Evercore to</a> assist in raising capital.
The effort aims to avoid a potential delisting after the company missed its August deadline for filing its annual financial report while reviewing internal financial controls.
The company is considering private investment in public equity (PIPE) funding, which could attract interest from private equity firms. While PIPE funding provides a faster capital-raising method, it dilutes existing shareholders&#8217; equity.
Concerns still need to be made about the profitability of Super Micro&#8217;s AI-optimized servers due to reliance on high-end chips from suppliers like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
Super Micro&#8217;s auditor, Ernst &amp; Young, resigned in October over governance concerns. This led to a sharp decline in stock value and prompted an independent committee to investigate. By December, the committee found no evidence of misconduct, spurring a 30% rise in Super Micro&#8217;s stock.
The company appointed BDO USA as its new auditor to address delisting risks, submitted a compliance plan to Nasdaq, and began searching for a new finance chief based on the committee&#8217;s recommendations.
Super Micro, which faced scrutiny from a Hindenburg Research report and a U.S. Department of Justice probe, has until February 25 to file its delayed financial reports.
Super Micro Computer missed the revenue estimates for the last two quarters and the adjusted EPS consensus for the last quarter.
In July 2024, Super Micro Computer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39847680/whats-going-on-with-super-micro-computer-shares-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">became a component</a> of the Nasdaq-100 Index and the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index, replacing Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>).
At that time, CEO Charles Liang highlighted Super Micro&#8217;s eco-friendly initiatives and AI growth opportunities during an interview with CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer.
Liang showcased the potential of their &#8220;liquid cooling&#8221; and &#8220;green computer&#8221; technologies to cut carbon emissions and reduce customer expenses.
He also shared his confidence in the transformative power of AI, predicting it could have a more significant impact than the industrial revolution.
The Nasdaq-100 Index underpins the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which seeks to deliver investment results mirroring the index&#8217;s performance before expenses.
Price Action: SMCI stock closed lower by 8.26% to $33.44 on Monday.
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Super Micro Drops Below 50-Day Average, Faces Nasdaq 100 Removal Just Months After Entry

On Friday, Nasdaq Inc's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NDAQ#NASDAQ">NDAQ</a>) annual reconstitution of the Nasdaq-100 Index will become effective before the market opens <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42494812/annual-changes-to-the-nasdaq-100-index" rel="noreferrer noopener">on December 23</a>.
As a result, Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) was&nbsp;removed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42495649/microstrategy-palantir-axon-added-to-nasdaq-100-super-micro-computer-moderna-illumina-exit-the-index" rel="noreferrer noopener">from the index</a>. Year to date, Moderna stock has plunged over 60%, with a 52-week low-high of $35.8-$170.47, as per data from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/feature/newsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Recently, Moderna and several other stocks witnessed a decline as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s, Donald Trump's nomination to lead the&nbsp;Department of&nbsp;Health and Human Services, is known to be against vaccines and has a track record of making false <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42045488/moderna-remains-confident-despite-political-concerns-over-vaccine-safety-and-hhs-nomination" rel="noreferrer noopener">claims about vaccines</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42045488/moderna-remains-confident-despite-political-concerns-over-vaccine-safety-and-hhs-nomination" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moderna Remains Confident Despite Political Concerns Over Vaccine Safety and HHS Nomination</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16123322/newplot-1-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-694341" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16123322/newplot-1-3.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16123322/newplot-1-3-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
The company has witnessed a decline in its only approved product, Spikevax, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40104375/moderna-stock-sinks-on-lowered-2024-outlook-cites-low-european-sales-competitive-rsv-vaccine-mark" rel="noreferrer noopener">the COVID-19 vaccine</a>.
However, Moderna witnessed some relief on higher third-quarter sales attributed to higher sales in the U.S. market following the earlier launch of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41854205/modernas-q3-earnings-beat-overshadowed-by-vaccine-demand-slowdown-and-market-share-concerns-analysts-warn" rel="noreferrer noopener">updated COVID-19 vaccine</a>.
Moderna&nbsp;unveiled key updates at its annual R&amp;D Day in September, spotlighting its mRNA-based pipeline and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40834547/moderna-outlines-post-covid-roadmap-cuts-research-budget-forecasts-2025-sales-below-expectations" rel="noreferrer noopener">revised financial plans</a>.
Faced with commercial challenges, Moderna is adopting a more selective approach to R&amp;D investments. The company anticipates maintaining substantial R&amp;D investment, especially in oncology and rare diseases, while pacing other expenditures.
Moderna is also facing several litigations, including the recently announced patent infringement lawsuit filed by Northwestern University. The lawsuit alleges that the pharmaceutical company used the university's lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology without permission to develop&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41381861/moderna-hit-with-another-lawsuit-related-to-key-covid-19-vaccine-technology" rel="noreferrer noopener">its COVID-19 vaccines.</a>
GSK Plc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>) also filed a lawsuit alleging that Moderna's mRNA vaccines infringe on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41342286/gsk-sues-moderna-alleging-mrna-vaccine-patent-infringement" rel="noreferrer noopener">patents it developed</a>.
Price Action: MRNA stock is down 1.04% at $41.40 at the last check on Monday.
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Photo via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moderna_COVID-19_vaccine_%282021%29_F.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a>

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What's Going On With Moderna Stock On Monday?

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock is trading lower on Monday. The company is expected to be removed from the Nasdaq 100 Index later this month. Here&#8217;s what you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42506977">need to know</a>.
What To Know: Super Micro is one of three companies set to be booted from the Nasdaq 100 Index on Dec. 23 as part of the index&#8217;s annual changes.
The changes will take effect before the market opens on Dec. 23. The other companies set to be removed from the index, include Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>) and Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>). 
The Nasdaq is set to add Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) and Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>) to the index.
What Else: Super Micro has faced delays in filing its earnings for the 2024 fiscal year as well as the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. The company originally cited multiple reasons for the delay, including the need to find a new auditor after Ernst &amp; Young, the company&#8217;s former auditor, resigned due to governance control issues, and the need to review its internal control systems.
Super Micro has since appointed BDO USA as its independent auditor. In addition, the company&#8217;s special committee review found no evidence of misconduct.
 Lastly, the company is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42506690">working</a> with Evercore to raise its capital. The company is considering multiple options in order to achieve this, such as, a private investment in public equity.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/24/12/42510375/what-the-options-market-tells-us-about-on-holding">What the Options Market Tells Us About On Holding</a>
SMCI Price Action: At the time of writing, Super Micro stock is trading 6.75% lower at $33.98, according to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: Photo via Shutterstock

What's Going On With Super Micro Computer Shares Monday?

U.S. stock futures were trading higher on Monday in premarket hours after the tech-heavy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42495649/microstrategy-palantir-axon-added-to-nasdaq-100-super-micro-computer-moderna-illumina-exit-the-index">Nasdaq 100 index</a> extended its relentless climb last week, setting new record highs and nearing the 22,000-point milestone. The futures of all four major indices were trading higher.
The 10-year and two-year Treasury notes yielded 4.38% and 4.23%, respectively. The Federal Reserve&#8217;s upcoming meeting this week is highly anticipated by market observers.
The Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to announce another interest rate reduction at the conclusion of their meeting on Wednesday. The probability of a further 25 basis point rate cut in December rose to 97.1% versus 61.9% a month ago, according to <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">CME Group&#8217;s FedWatch tool</a>.
If the Fed cuts rates, it would be the third consecutive cut, bringing the federal funds rate down from its current level of 4.50% to 4.75%. Following the meeting, Chairman Jerome Powell&#8216;s remarks will be closely scrutinized by market participants.
Investors will receive another critical economic data point on Friday with the release of the November personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation index. This release follows other inflation indicators that suggest price increases accelerated in November.
Prior to that, GDP revisions on Thursday will reveal whether the economy maintained the previously estimated 2.8% growth rate for the third quarter.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>0.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>0.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>0.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>0.27%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Monday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 0.20% to $605.44 and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose 0.32% to $532.25, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Cues From The Last Session
The Nasdaq 100 rally was driven by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42492966/ai-driven-rally-pushes-tech-stocks-to-records-broadcom-enters-trillion-dollar-club-inflation-data-flashes-warning-signal-this-week-in-the-markets">tech giants and AI optimism</a>. It&#8217;s set to double since the start of 2023, with five of the &#8220;Magnificent Seven&#8221; stocks hitting record highs. Broadcom Inc. joined the $1 trillion market cap club after strong earnings.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, on the other hand, fell for the seventh consecutive day on Friday and S&amp;P 500 index closed marginally lower.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dow down 7 days in a row, but only 2.6% off the all-time highs (third least ever). I see 78 7-day losing streaks since 1900 and an avg of 24.7% off ATHs.
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1868406754448691224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Inflation data released during the week raised some red flags. Consumer inflation rose 2.7% year-over-year in November, in line with expectations, but producer inflation jumped to 3% year-over-year, exceeding estimates of 2.6%. This marked the sharpest increase since February 2023, raising concerns about potential cost pass-throughs to consumers.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>0.12%</td>
<td>19,926.72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.002%</td>
<td>6,051.09</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.20%</td>
<td>43,828.06</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-0.60%</td>
<td>2,34.90</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42492966/ai-driven-rally-pushes-tech-stocks-to-records-broadcom-enters-trillion-dollar-club-inflation-data-flashes-warning-signal-this-week-in-the-markets">AI-Driven Rally Pushes Tech Stocks To Records, Broadcom Enters Trillion-Dollar Club, Inflation Data Flashes Warning Signal: This Week In The Markets</a>
Insights From Analysts
Talking about the possibility of a &#8220;Santa Rally,&#8221; by the end of December the chief market strategist at Carson Group, Ryan Detrick shared a chart titled &#8216;Santa Comes Later In December&#8217; showing how the market has picked up after Dec. 16, on an average from 1950 to 2023.
He said, &#8220;Weak breadth, inflation heating up, bears saying they are sorry, etc, have all been listed as reasons for the recent weakness. Or maybe it is perfectly normal for stocks not to do much the first half of December, before an end-of-year rally?&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Weak breadth, inflation heating up, bears saying they are sorry, etc, have all been listed as reasons for the recent weakness. Or maybe it is perfectly normal for stocks not to do much the first half of December, before an end of year rally? Let&#39;s not give up on Santa yet. <a href="https://t.co/xo6mxsq8Yg">pic.twitter.com/xo6mxsq8Yg</a>
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1868396543985762667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He further made a case for a year-end rally in another X post. He shared a chart that compared high-yield bonds with U.S. Treasury bonds and high-beta stocks with low volatility stocks. &#8220;High yield and high beta are outperforming bonds and low volatility,&#8221; he said.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Nice chart from <a href="https://twitter.com/HumbleStudent?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HumbleStudent</a> on why a year-end rally is still possible. High yield and high beta are outperforming bonds and low volatility. Risk on signals are still in play (weak breadth and all). <a href="https://t.co/VTVXgmve85">pic.twitter.com/VTVXgmve85</a>
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1868405432550555851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Tom Lee, the managing partner and head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, hosted a webinar outlining his 2025 outlook. According to him, the S&amp;P 500 will have a better first half of the year getting up to 7,000, followed by a weaker second half of the year with us ultimately ending at 6,600
&#8220;To us, the downside risks are: DOGE too effective and GDP falls on spending cuts, (if) tariffs are actually implemented and GDP impacted,&#8221; Lee said.
Upcoming Economic Data:
Important data is slated to be released this week that will help investors determine the future course of action.
<ul>
<li>On Monday, the Empire State manufacturing survey data for December will be released at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The S&amp;P flash U.S. services and manufacturing PMI data for December will be released at 9:45 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>On Tuesday, U.S. retail sales data for November will be announced at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The industrial production and capacity utilization data for November will be announced at 9:15 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The home builder confidence index data will be released for December at 10:00 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>And, lastly, the Federal Open Market Committee meeting will begin on Tuesday.</li>
<li>On Wednesday, housing starts, and building permit data for November will be announced at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The FOMC&#8217;s interest rate decision will be announced at 2:00 p.m., ET, and the Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s press conference will begin at 2:30 p.m., ET.</li>
<li>Micron Technology, Lennar, General Mills, and Toro will report earnings.</li>
<li>On Thursday, the data for initial jobless claims till Dec. 14, GDP&#8217;s second revision for the third quarter and Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey data for December will be released at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>Existing home sales data and U.S. leading economic indicators for November will be announced at 10:00 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>Accenture, Nike, Cintas, FedEx, and Paychex will report earnings.</li>
<li>On Friday, personal income and spending data along with core and headline PCE index data for November will be released at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>Consumer sentiment data for December will be released at 10:00 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>Carnival Corporation and Winnebago Industries will report earnings.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) advanced 5.26%, Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) was up 0.78%, and Axon Enterprise Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>) rose by 3.12% in premarket trade as Nasdaq announced on Friday that these stocks will join the Nasdaq 100 index.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) declined by 0.5%, Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) fell by 11.71% and Illumina Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>) dropped by 0.99% in premarket after Nasdaq&#8217;s Friday announcement, booting these stocks off Nasdaq 100 index.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) was up 1.57%, continuing Friday&#8217;s upmove fueled by strong quarterly earnings and upbeat AI-driven guidance for the coming year. Friday&#8217;s rally propelled the chipmaker into the exclusive $1 trillion market-cap club, making it the eighth-largest publicly traded company.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was 1.07% up after Wedbush&#8217;s Dan Ives hiked its price target citing AI and autonomous opportunity worth $1 trillion.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Amplitech Group Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMPG#NASDAQ">AMPG</a>) advanced 4.76% in premarket after it announced the sale of 1,352,500 shares of its common stock at $1.60 per share, totaling to price of $2.2 million.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Checkpoint Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CKPT#NASDAQ">CKPT</a>) was up 11.44% after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved UnloxcyT for the treatment of adults with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures were declining in the early New York session by 1.43% to hover around $70.27 per barrel.
The gold spot index rose by 0.08% to $2,677.91 per ounce. The Dollar Index was down 0.09% to 106.912 level.
Asian markets declined on Monday including Australia&#8217;s ASX 200, Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng, China&#8217;s CSI 300, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225, India&#8217;s S&amp;P BSE Sensex, and South Korea&#8217;s Kospi Index. Most European markets also fell except Spain&#8217;s IBEX 35.
<ul>
<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42503379/balaji-srinivasan-contrasts-ais-reputation-as-making-it-easy-to-fake-things-with-cryptos-tamper-proof-technology">Former Coinbase Tech Chief Contrasts AI&#8217;s Reputation As Making It Easy To Fake Things With Crypto&#8217;s Tamper-Proof Technology</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

Macro Economic Events

Market Summary

Economics

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

AMPG

CKPT

US Stocks To Open Higher Ahead Of Fed's Decision This Week: Analyst Says 'Santa Comes Later In December'

The much-awaited reconstitution of the Nasdaq 100 index has taken place, resulting in the addition of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) proxy MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), and Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>).
This change will take effect before the market opens on Dec. 23, 2024.
What Happened:&nbsp;Nasdaq&nbsp;announced on Saturday the results of its&nbsp;annual reconstitution of the Nasdaq-100&nbsp;Index.
The Nasdaq-100 Index, a benchmark for non-financial companies on the Nasdaq, was launched in January 1985. It serves as a basis for financial products like&nbsp;options, futures, and funds.
The&nbsp;annual reconstitution aligns&nbsp;with the quadruple witch expiration&nbsp;Friday of the quarter, a strategic timing for the index.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42477447/dogecoins-fate-tied-to-bitcoin-not-worth-overly-focusing-on-analyst-says-as-apex-memecoin-mirrors-btcs-pullback?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin&#8217;s Fate Tied To Bitcoin, Says Crypto Analyst: &#8216;Sit Back And Wait&#8217;</a>
As a result of this reconstitution,&nbsp;three companies will be removed&nbsp;from the index:&nbsp;Illumina, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>),&nbsp;Super Micro Computer, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), and&nbsp;Moderna, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>).
The Nasdaq-100 Index is integral to the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which seeks to mirror the index&#8217;s performance. Options, futures, and structured products based on the Nasdaq-100 Index and the Invesco QQQ Trust are traded on various exchanges.
Why It Matters: The inclusion of&nbsp;MicroStrategy&nbsp;in the Nasdaq-100 could significantly boost its visibility and attract fresh inflows from major ETFs like QQQ.
Analysts at Bernstein have suggested that this move, combined with MicroStrategy&#8217;s aggressive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42433049/microstrategy-nasdaq-100-inclusion-on-the-horizon-could-spell-59-upside-says-bernstein">Bitcoin acquisition strategy</a>, could lead to a 59% upside for the company, with a target price of $600.
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Palantir&nbsp;is positioned to become &#8220;the next Oracle&#8221; in 2025, according to Wedbush Securities' Dan Ives. The company&#8217;s AI platform is seen as a transformative force in enterprise operations, with significant results already demonstrated through its Warp Speed manufacturing operating system.
This development could further enhance Palantir&#8217;s standing in both government and commercial sectors, as highlighted in Ives&#8217;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42453057/palantir-positioned-to-become-the-next-oracle-in-2025-says-dan-ives-messi-of-ai-set-for-breakout-year">annual sector outlook</a>.
On the other hand,&nbsp;Super Micro Computer&nbsp;finds itself removed from the index, despite benefiting from the surging demand for AI infrastructure. The company faced challenges due to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42445956/smci-teeters-on-edge-of-nasdaq-100-is-friday-d-day-for-super-micro">recent auditing scandal</a>, which significantly impacted its market capitalization.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42452955/shiba-inu-poised-for-180-upside-says-analyst-hodlers-keep-selling?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiba Inu Poised For 180% Upside, Says Analyst — HODLers Keep Selling</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

$BTC

MicroStrategy, Palantir, Axon Added To Nasdaq 100: Super Micro Computer, Moderna, Illumina Exit The Index

Avian flu has continued to make headlines as cases extend beyond cattle and poultry; the flu has now affected cats and possibly horses. The flu has begun to affect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42471357/egg-hyperinflation-could-spike-grocery-prices-why-cal-maine-vital-farms-are-soaring">the American consumer</a> as egg prices soar.
The Latest On Bird Flu: A recent research study from the University of Glasgow found the virus is possibly spreading to horses in Mongolia and suggests the horses could spread the flu to humans. Professor Pablo Murcia, who led the research, <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/virus-most-likely-to-cause-next-pandemic-could-be-passed-to-humans-from-horses-study-finds-13271625" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> SkyNews that knowledge of wildlife infections will help scientists monitor the virus.
Two cats in Los Angeles died from consuming raw milk that contained the virus, KTLA <a href="https://ktla.com/news/local-news/2-cats-die-from-possible-h5-bird-flu-in-los-angeles-county/">reports</a>. Cats can be exposed to the flu by eating infected birds or consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cattle. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health noted that cats have reportedly been infected with the virus after drinking unpasteurized milk elsewhere.
Officials at the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, Arizona, announced that five animals at the zoo died of avian flu, <a href="https://www.abc15.com/news/state/bird-flu-virus-hits-wildlife-world-zoo-park-implementing-safety-measures">according</a> to ABC15. The perished animals include a cheetah, a mountain lion, a swamphen, an Andean goose, and a kookaburra. A white tiger has also tested positive but is expected to make a full recovery.
In late November, a human in Canada who had been infected by the flu <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42087908/mutated-bird-flu-case-in-california-puts-humans-at-increased-risk-so-which-companies-are-developing-vaccines">showed indications of mutation</a>. This is a sign the flu could spread more easily.
Bird Flu Vaccine: Biden Administration officials <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/biden-administration-no-current-plans-authorize-bird-flu-vaccine-human-rcna183848">told</a> NBC News on Wednesday they have no plans to authorize a bird flu vaccine.
Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) and GSK plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41949697/bird-flu-puts-teen-in-critical-condition-as-canada-reports-first-human-case-what-you-need-to-know">have reportedly worked</a> toward developing a bird flu vaccine.
A bird blu vaccine could be imperiled by an incoming presidential administration that is unreceptive to the scientific community. President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s pick for secretary of Health and Human Services, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has previously made several demonstrably false associations between vaccination and autism.
The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/health/aaron-siri-rfk-jr-vaccines.html">reported</a> on Friday that Kennedy&#8217;s lawyer asked the FDA to revoke approval of the polio vaccine. The polio vaccine has nearly eradicated polio in the United States. It has saved millions of lives and eliminated tens of millions of cases of paralysis. A May&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00850-X/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>&nbsp;by Lanclet found that vaccines have saved 154 million lives throughout human history.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42484676/nvidia-amd-taiwan-semi-and-other-chip-stocks-gain-as-broadcoms-q4-sparks-sector-wide-surge">Nvidia, AMD, Taiwan Semi Gain As Broadcom&#8217;s Q4 Performance Sparks Sector-Wide Surge</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Government

Bird Flu Spreads To Cats, Possibly Horses As Officials Signal No Plans To Authorize Vaccination

Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) is walking a tightrope this week, with its spot on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nasdaq-100">Nasdaq 100 Index</a> hanging in the balance. 
As the index reshuffles its lineup every December, the San Jose, California-based firm finds itself on the potential chopping block, alongside other underperforming stocks like Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) and Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>).
Super Micro Computer benefitted from the surging demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. At one point, it boasted a market cap of $67 billion. But a recent auditing scandal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42290180/cleared-of-fraud-but-super-micros-visibility-into-compliance-remains-low-says-analyst">caused its market cap to plummet</a>; it&#8217;s currently hovering at just below $20.4 billion.
Ernst &amp; Young flagged governance issues, sparking investor concerns, though a special committee later concluded these claims lacked sufficient evidence.
Super Micro Computer CEO Charles Liang expressed confidence at the Reuters NEXT conference, assuring investors that the company will meet its financial filing deadlines and remain on track for a February resolution.
Liang emphasized Super Micro&#8217;s robust relationships with major clients like xAI and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), which could help stabilize its trajectory.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42432508/smci-stock-drops-in-pre-market-despite-super-micro-ceos-assurance-against-delisting-whats-going-on">SMCI Stock Drops In Pre-Market Despite Super Micro CEO&#8217;s Assurance Against Delisting: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Super Micro Computer Stock Chart Raises Questions</h2>
The technical charts, however, tell a mixed story. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121224&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="627" height="487" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11132847/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-11.58.31-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-688046" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11132847/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-11.58.31-PM.png 627w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11132847/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-11.58.31-PM-300x233.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px" /></a></figure>
<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121224&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>
Super Micro Computer stock, at $37.95, is trading below its eight-day simple moving average (SMA) of $41.47, signaling short-term selling pressure. Yet, its 20-day SMA of $33.38 and 50-day SMA of $37.10 suggest medium-term strength, offering a glimmer of hope.
Still, the long-term picture looks bleak with a 200-day SMA at $67.21—a stark reminder of the stock's fall from grace.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JPMorgan's Take</h2>
Despite market skepticism, JPMorgan sees stability in Super Micro's order book and customer base. The firm highlighted "robust" orders and no signs of significant customer churn. 
With Nvidia's Blackwell product line gearing up for a major ramp in late fiscal 2025, the company&#8217;s role in AI infrastructure could prove pivotal.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>
While Super Micro clings to the hope of staying on the Nasdaq 100, Friday&#8217;s decision will likely hinge on its market value relative to stronger contenders like Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) and MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>). The clock is ticking for SMCI to prove it still belongs among tech&#8217;s elite.
Stay tuned — Friday the 13th could mark a turning point for this embattled AI infrastructure pioneer.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42444582/albertsons-puts-an-end-to-merger-deal-sues-kroger-following-court-ruling-we-believe-strongly-in-the-merits-of-our-case">Albertsons Puts End To Merger Deal, Sues Kroger Following Court Ruling: &#8216;We Believe Strongly In The Merits Of Our Case&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

BIIB

Super Micro Computer Teeters On Edge Of Nasdaq 100: Can xAI, Nvidia Help Stabilize Trajectory?

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/184301/download" title="https://www.fda.gov/media/184301/download">https://www.fda.gov/media/184301/download</a>

FDA Highlights Safety Challenges And Development Needs For Pediatric RSV Vaccines Amid Historical Concerns And Recent mRNA Trial Pauses; Focus On Addressing Unmet Needs For Infants And Toddlers.

WIIM

Moderna shares are trading lower after B of A Securities reinstated an Underperform rating on the stock and announced a price target of $41.

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in MRNA usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 9 extraordinary options activities for Moderna. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 22% leaning bullish and 55% bearish. Among these notable options, 6 are puts, totaling $220,016, and 3 are calls, amounting to $329,420.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $35.0 to $175.0 for Moderna over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Moderna's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Moderna's significant trades, within a strike price range of $35.0 to $175.0, over the past month.
<h3>Moderna Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733845555_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>MRNA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.55</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$210.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$18.8</td>
<td>$17.5</td>
<td>$18.14</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$90.7K</td>
<td>417</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$69.5K</td>
<td>520</td>
<td align="right">139</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.45</td>
<td>$8.05</td>
<td>$8.32</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$41.5K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$2.01</td>
<td>$1.94</td>
<td>$1.94</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$30.8K</td>
<td>482</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Moderna</h3>
Moderna is a commercial-stage biotech that was founded in 2010 and had its initial public offering in December 2018. The firm's mRNA technology was rapidly validated with its covid vaccine, which was authorized in the United States in December 2020. Moderna had 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development as of September 2024. Programs span a wide range of therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic diseases.
In light of the recent options history for Moderna, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Moderna</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 2,515,833, the price of MRNA is down -3.57% at $44.02. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 72 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Moderna</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $50.6.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Wolfe Research has revised its rating downward to Underperform, adjusting the price target to $40. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HSBC upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $58. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from B of A Securities downgraded its rating to Underperform, setting a price target of $41. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Piper Sandler lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $69. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Underweight rating for Moderna, targeting a price of $45. 
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 Moderna, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Moderna

In the last three months, 19 analysts have published ratings on Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding 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">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $77.63, with a high estimate of $139.00 and a low estimate of $40.00. A decline of 28.86% from the prior average price target is evident in the current average. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733842812_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Moderna is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of 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>Tim Anderson</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jessica Fye</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Edward Tenthoff</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yifeng Liu</td>
<td>HSBC</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexandria Hammond</td>
<td>Wolfe Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gena Wang</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$111.00</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jessica Fye</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eliana Merle</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Courtney Breen</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Yee</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luca Issi</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Salveen Richter</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$139.00</td>
<td>$178.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gena Wang</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Geoff Meacham</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Edward Tenthoff</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Van Buren</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luca Issi</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jessica Fye</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Yee</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$120.00</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 Moderna. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Moderna compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Moderna's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRNA/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Moderna analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Moderna's Background</h2>
Moderna is a commercial-stage biotech that was founded in 2010 and had its initial public offering in December 2018. The firm's mRNA technology was rapidly validated with its covid vaccine, which was authorized in the United States in December 2020. Moderna had 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development as of September 2024. Programs span a wide range of therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic diseases.
<h3>Financial Insights: Moderna</h3>
Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Revenue Growth: Moderna's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 3.81%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Moderna's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 0.7%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Moderna's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 0.11%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Moderna's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of 0.08%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Debt Management: Moderna's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.11, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Expert Outlook: Moderna Through The Eyes Of 19 Analysts

B of A Securities analyst Tim Anderson reinstates Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) with a Underperform and announces $41 price target.

Price Target

Initiation

B of A Securities Reinstates Underperform on Moderna, Announces $41 Price Target

<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/05/trump-rfk-jr-pfizer-lilly">https://www.axios.com/2024/12/05/trump-rfk-jr-pfizer-lilly</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump">President-elect Trump</a> hosted the chief executives of Pfizer, Eli Lilly and PhRMA Wednesday night at Mar-a-Lago, where they discussed how the public and private sectors can collaborate on finding cures for cancer, among other topics, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The patio dinner is a potential indication that Trump's administration will see the pharmaceutical industry as a partner — not just an adversary — for parts of its <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/14/maha-movement-federal-health-agencies">"Make America Healthy Again"</a> agenda.
<ul>
<li>There's been much speculation about how Trump's team will deal with the industry, given Trump's<a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/pharma-another-term-without-friend-white-house"> tough talk</a> during the campaign and his pick of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary.</li>
<li>Last month, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/14/vaccine-stocks-fall-trump-rfk-health-secretary-hhs">drugmakers' share prices</a> dropped after Trump announced the nomination of Kennedy, who was at Wednesday's dinner along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump's pick to run the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services.</li>
</ul>
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, Lilly CEO David Ricks were at the dinner. Steve Ubl, CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represented the industry at the table. Trump's incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, also attended.
Zoom out: In his first term, Trump worked in concert with the private sector as part of <a href="https://www.axios.com/2020/08/11/moderna-vaccine-coronavirus-trump">Operation Warp Speed</a> to accelerate the development and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
<ul>
<li>But drugmakers are still reeling from Democrats' new law allowing <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/11/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-hhs-process">Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs</a>. During the presidential campaign, both President <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden">Biden</a> and <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump">Trump</a> promised even harsher crackdowns on the industry.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Zoom in: The meeting at Mar-a-Lago included a pre-dinner reception and lasted nearly three hours.
<ul>
<li>As dinner was winding down, Trump entertained his guests by playing D.J. with his <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/04/donald-trump-news-mar-a-lago">Spotify playlist</a>.</li>
</ul>
Go deeper: Biden made <a href="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/02/biden-relaunch-cancer-death-rate-moonshot">finding a cure for cancer</a> a central plank of his health care agenda, reviving the "moon shot" research program he spearheaded as vice president.
What they're saying: Trump's transition team and a Lilly representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Spokespeople for Pfizer PhRMA declined to comment.

"Scoop: Trump, RFK Jr. Dine With Pfizer And Lilly Execs" - Axios

These ten large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) shares jumped 22.06% after securing a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42184005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> $6.6 billion DOE loan commitment</a>.</li>
<li>Rocket Lab USA, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) stock surged 21.73% after it secured a $23.9 million CHIPS Act grant to enhance its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42216210" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductor operations in New Mexico</a>.</li>
<li>Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRPT#NASDAQ">SRPT</a>) stock upped 20.67% after the company announced a global licensing and collaboration agreement with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARWR#NASDAQ">ARWR</a>) for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42196870" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple clinical and preclinical siRNA programs</a>.</li>
<li>Exact Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXAS#NASDAQ">EXAS</a>) stock increased 16.98%. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services posted final payment determinations for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42195803" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule</a>.</li>
<li>Elastic N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESTC#NYSE">ESTC</a>) shares rose 16.29%. Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives has significantly increased his optimism on the next phase of the AI revolution, focusing on its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42171519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformative impact on the software sector</a>.</li>
<li>Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>) shares upped 14.13%. Citigroup analysts raised the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ulta/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42197195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shares surged 12.58%</a> last week.</li>
<li>Ralph Lauren Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>) stock gained 11.72% last week.</li>
<li>Copart, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRT#NASDAQ">CPRT</a>) stock was up 11.41% after the company reported better-than-expected Q1 sales results.</li>
<li>Snap Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>) stock increased 12.18%. Citigroup analysts raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/snap/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo by rblfmr via Shutterstock

Large Cap

ARWR

CPRT

ESTC

EXAS

RIVN

RKLB

SNAP

SRPT

ULTA

Rivian Automotive, Rocket Lab And Moderna Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 25-Nov 29): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Moderna.
Looking at options history for Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) we detected 11 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 18% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 63% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 9 are puts, for a total amount of $1,196,435 and 2, calls, for a total amount of $1,384,310.
<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 $22.5 and $105.0 for Moderna, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Moderna options trades today is 3135.88 with a total volume of 4,381.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Moderna's big money trades within a strike price range of $22.5 to $105.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Moderna Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732895188_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</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>MRNA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$1.3M</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$446.2K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>852</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$13.25</td>
<td>$11.4</td>
<td>$13.25</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$331.2K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$12.05</td>
<td>$11.85</td>
<td>$11.85</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$141.0K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
<td>120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$11.15</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$76.1K</td>
<td>112</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Moderna</h3>
Moderna is a commercial-stage biotech that was founded in 2010 and had its initial public offering in December 2018. The firm's mRNA technology was rapidly validated with its covid vaccine, which was authorized in the United States in December 2020. Moderna had 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development as of September 2024. Programs span a wide range of therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic diseases.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Moderna, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Current Position of Moderna</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,119,525, the MRNA's price is up by 0.14%, now at $43.45. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 83 days.</li>
</ul>
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Moderna's Options: A Look at What the Big Money is Thinking

Bird flu has been detected in a batch of raw milk sold in California and a voluntary recall of the milk has been issued at the request of the state's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42087908/mutated-bird-flu-case-in-california-puts-humans-at-increased-risk-so-which-companies-are-developing-vaccines">department of public health.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: The virus was found during testing of a batch of whole raw milk from Raw Farm in Fresno county. The company has issued a voluntary recall of the batch, which has a &#8220;best by date&#8221; of Nov. 27. 
"Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk," the California Department of Public Health said in <a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR24-039.aspx">a Sunday statement.&nbsp;</a>
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42194570/starbucks-employee-systems-down-after-software-provider-suffers-ransomware-attack">Starbucks&#8217; Employee Systems Down After Software Provider Suffers Ransomware Attack</a>
California reported 29 confirmed human cases of bird flu since early October, with 28 of the cases resulting from direct contact with infected dairy cows. No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California or the U.S., according to the state's public health department.&nbsp;
Vaccine Efforts: As concern about the possible spread of bird flu grows, the U.S. government is increasing its efforts to develop a stockpile of vaccines for the disease.&nbsp;
Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) received a $176 million government contract in July to advance development of its bird flu vaccine, leveraging the same mRNA technology used in the company's COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In October, the Department of Health and Human Services granted GSK plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>), Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNY#NASDAQ">SNY</a>) and Australian firm CSL Limited $72 million to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41188886/gsk-sanofi-and-csl-secure-us-government-fund-to-boost-bird-flu-vaccine-production-report">more than double</a> the U.S. supply of bird flu vaccines.&nbsp;
According to the CDC, 55 total cases have been reported in the 2024 bird flu outbreak in the U.S. The CDC said that it is monitoring <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html">the bird flu situation </a>carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures, though the current public health risk is low.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/41949068/bitcoin-could-reach-1-million-by-2037-economist-says-buy-of-a-lifetime-opportunity">Bitcoin Could Reach $1 Million By 2037, Economist Says: &#8216;Buy Of A Lifetime&#8217; Opportunity</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Pexels

Bird Flu Found In Raw Milk Leads To Recall In California

Moderna shares are trading lower after JP Morgan maintained an Underweight rating on the stock and lowered its price target from $59 to $45.

JP Morgan analyst Jessica Fye maintains Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) with a Underweight and lowers the price target from $59 to $45.

JP Morgan Maintains Underweight on Moderna, Lowers Price Target to $45

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Notable gainers among liquid option names this morning include Tesla (TSLA) $482.33 +19.31, ON Semiconductor (ON) $68.94 +2.50, Pfizer (PFE) $26.07...

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Argus downgraded Moderna (MRNA) to Hold from Buy without a price target The firm sees limited upside for the stock over the next 12 months as the c...

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Moderna lowered to hold at Argus amid lower COVID vaccine sales, competitive RSV market

California Gov. Newsom declares State of Emergency over bird flu

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Press Releases

Moderna Receives Health Canada Approval for RSV Vaccine for Adults Aged 60 Years and Older

Moderna Tops BioSpace's Best Places to Work Ranking for Fourth Consecutive Year

Brian M. Alexander Joins Valo Health as Chief Executive Officer and Flagship Pioneering as CEO-Partner

Flagship Pioneering Appoints Craig Williams as CEO-Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Apriori Bio

Flagship Pioneering Announces Two New Agreements with Ampersand Biomedicines and Montai Therapeutics Under its Strategic Partnership with Pfizer

Flagship Pioneering Appoints Angela Hwang as CEO-Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Metaphore Biotechnologies

Events

Moderna to Present at Upcoming Conferences in December 2024

Legal

DexCom, Orthofix, Spire Global, and Moderna Investigation Alert: Johnson Fistel, LLP Encourages Long-Term Investors to Reach Out for More Information

Carisma Therapeutics Announces Strategic Restructuring to Re-prioritize Pipeline

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