MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) has announced the acquisition of 51,780 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) for approximately $4.6 billion, with an average price of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41878981/microstrategy-acquires-another-27200-bitcoin-worth-2-billion">$88,627 per coin</a>.



What Happened: According to the company's SEC <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb564490bc5201f31/bltc841ab65fe7d972b/673b392ad908785dbba03616/form_8-k_11-18-2024.pdf">filing</a> on Monday, this purchase occurred between Nov. 11and Nov. 17, funded through proceeds from the issuance and sale of shares under its Sales Agreement.



As of Nov. 17, MicroStrategy and its subsidiaries hold an aggregate of 331,200 BTC, acquired at a total purchase price of approximately $16.5 billion and an average cost of $49,874 per Bitcoin.



MicroStrategy views Bitcoin as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41902155/bitcoin-to-augment-gold-as-the-next-strategic-reserve-asset-says-expert">strategic reserve asset</a>, offering exposure to digital assets as an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41878981/microstrategy-acquires-another-27200-bitcoin-worth-2-billion">alternative to traditional capital. </a>



Michael Saylor has emphasized Bitcoin's ability to "fix the balance sheet" and enhance stock value, recently highlighting its potential as a trillion-dollar opportunity for shareholders. 



With Bitcoin&#8217;s price surpassing $91,000, MicroStrategy now holds over $24 billion in Bitcoin, reporting $11.7 billion in unrealized profits, solidifying its leadership in corporate Bitcoin adoption.



On the same day, Metaplanet Inc. announced the issuance of its 3rd Series of Ordinary Bonds (Guaranteed) worth ¥1.75 billion ($11.4 million), with an annual interest rate of 0.36%.



The funds raised will be allocated to purchasing Bitcoin.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42036066/tidus-wallet-brings-wormhole-integration-for-ethereum-solana-transfers">Tidus Wallet Brings Wormhole Integration For Ethereum-Solana Transfers</a>



According to the <a href="https://x.com/Metaplanet_JP/status/1858352792647225371">company</a>, the bonds are guaranteed by Representative Director Simon Gerovich, with collateral secured through a first-priority mortgage on the Hotel Royal Oak Gotanda, owned by Metaplanet's subsidiary, Wen Tokyo Inc.



Metaplanet&#8217;s latest Bitcoin acquisition is part of a broader movement among global companies such as&nbsp;Tesla,&nbsp;Block Inc.&nbsp;(formerly Square) and&nbsp;PayPal, which have added Bitcoin to their balance sheets over recent years.



Tesla famously invested <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41434521/tesla-quietly-transfers-765-million-in-bitcoin-putting-musks-cryptocurrency-strategy-under-intense-s">$1.5 billion in Bitcoin in 2021</a>, while Block Inc. committed $220 million across 2020 and 2021, signaling increasing corporate confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset.



Emulating these major firms, Metaplanet has branded itself as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41585530/asias-microstrategy-metaplanet-buys-another-10-4m-in-bitcoin-exceeds-1-000-btc-holdings">"Asia&#8217;s answer to MicroStrategy,"</a> with ambitions to build one of the largest Bitcoin treasuries among Asian companies.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="EXCLUSIVE: Binance CEO Richard Teng Says 2025 Will Outshine 2024 For Crypto - Benzinga">EXCLUSIVE: Binance CEO Richard Teng Says 2025 Will Outshine 2024 For Crypto</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Flickr

Cryptocurrency

News

$BTC

MSTR

Bitcoin Buyer Spree: MicroStrategy Acquires $4.6B In BTC, Metaplanet Issues $11.4M In Bonds To Fund Purchases

Gold futures climbed 1.6% on Monday morning in New York, on track to snap a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/11/42036300/go-for-gold-says-goldman-sachs-precious-yellow-metal-price-would-rise-in-2025-amid-central-bank-buying-fed-rate-cuts">six-session losing streak</a>.



The yellow metal&#8217;s surge came on the heels of escalating rhetoric from Moscow after reports indicated that President Joe Biden had authorized Ukraine to launch strikes on Russian territory using American-made long-range missiles.



This marks a significant policy shift by the outgoing administration ahead of Donald Trump's January inauguration.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/11/42033393/spacexs-gwynne-shotwell-sees-starlink-becoming-profitable-in-2024-bets-on-starship-making-it-one-of-the-most-valuable-companies-amid-reports-of-tender-offer-valuing-it-over-250b">SpaceX&#8217;s Gwynne Shotwell Sees Starlink Becoming Profitable In 2024</a>



Such strikes would represent "a qualitatively new round of tension" with the U.S., Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said per Reuters.



In September, Putin had already declared that the U.S.&#8217;s allowing Ukraine to fire Western missiles into Russian territory would mean NATO's direct participation in the war.



On Monday, Peskov reiterated this stance, accusing the Biden administration of &#8220;adding fuel to the fire&#8221; as its term winds down.



Reports confirmed that thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to aid Moscow's forces following a Ukrainian incursion.



The rally in gold, tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), mirrored gains across the broader commodity complex, with oil and natural gas prices also advancing.



Futures on West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil rose 0.8%, while Henry Hub U.S. natural gas futures surge by nearly 4% amid concerns over energy disruptions in Europe.



On Saturday, Gazprom, the state-controlled Russian natural gas giant, halted supplies to Austria, heightening fears of energy shortages in Europe as the winter season approaches. The decision followed Friday's rare hour-long phone call between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Putin, their first direct communication in nearly two years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Risk-Off Sentiment Hits European Markets</h3>



The heightened geopolitical risks weighed on European equities Monday. 



The Euro Stoxx 50, broadly tracked by the SPDR DJ Euro STOXX 50 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEZ#NYSE">FEZ</a>), fell 0.7%, while Italy's FTSE MIB, tracked by the iShares MSCI Italy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWI#NYSE">EWI</a>), was the hardest hit among major indices, sliding 1%. 



A hour ahead the Wall Street market open, futures on major U.S. indices hovered near flat, signaling caution among investors hesitant to buy the dip after last week&#8217;s declines.



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, fell a combined 1.9% on Thursday and Friday as hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump&#8217;s potential economic policies dampened investor sentiment.



Read Now:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/24/11/42018463/trumps-post-election-rally-fades-dollar-surges-to-over-1-year-highs-powell-puts-december-interest-rate-cut-into-question-this-week-in-the-market">Trump&#8217;s Post-Election Rally Fades, Dollar Surges To Over 1-Year Highs, Powell Puts December Interest Rate Cut Into Question: This Week In The Market</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Equities

Specialty ETFs

Eurozone

Commodities

Econ #s

ETFs

Gold, Natural Gas Prices Rally As US-Russia Tensions Escalate Over Ukraine's Long-Range Strikes

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVE#NYSE">SAVE</a>) shares are trading higher premarket on Monday. The company disclosed a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with a supermajority of its loyalty and convertible bondholders to implement a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/n42030743/spirit-airlines-announces-comprehensive-agreement-to-deleverage-balance-sheet-and-position-the-com" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehensive balance sheet restructuring</a>.



The plan aims to reduce debt, enhance financial flexibility, support long-term success, and accelerate investments to improve guest travel experiences and value.



The company&#8217;s key measures include a $350 million backstopped equity investment from existing bondholders and the equitization of $795 million in funded debt.



Additionally, bondholders are providing $300 million in DIP financing, complemented by Spirit&#8217;s cash reserves and operational cash flow, to support the restructuring process.



Spirit has filed a Plan of Reorganization as part of its Chapter 11 process, incorporating the terms of the RSA and awaiting Court approval.



With support from a supermajority of loyalty and convertible bondholders, the company expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in the&nbsp;first quarter of 2025.



First-day motions are also being filed to ensure normal business operations during the process.



As a result of the filing, Spirit anticipates being delisted from the NYSE soon, with its common stock continuing to trade over-the-counter. The shares are expected to be canceled and hold no value as part of the restructuring.



Ted Christie, Spirit&#8217;s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, &#8220;This set of transactions will materially strengthen our balance sheet and position Spirit for the future while we continue executing on our strategic initiatives to transform our Guest experience, providing new enhanced travel options, greater value and increased flexibility.&#8221;&nbsp;



Last week, Spirit filed the form, signaling it cannot submit its 2024 third-quarter earnings on time, as the company has diverted resources from reviewing and completing financial statements to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/41946520/whats-going-on-with-spirit-airlines-stock-wednesday-2" rel="noreferrer noopener"> ongoing debt restructuring discussions</a>.



This came after Spirit&#8217;s merger conversations with Fronter Group Holdings Inc. and and its takeover by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-nears-bankruptcy-creditors-may-approve-equity-cancellation-heres-what-it-means-for-investors-as-shares-fall-with-a-thud" rel="noreferrer noopener">JetBlue Airways</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-nears-bankruptcy-creditors-may-approve-equity-cancellation-heres-what-it-means-for-investors-as-shares-fall-with-a-thud" rel="noreferrer noopener"> fell through</a>.



Price Action: SAVE shares are up 3.70% at $1.12 premarket at the last check Monday.



Photo: Courtesy of Smart Calendar via Shutterstock



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/ma/24/11/42025534/deal-dispatch-shell-unilever-and-more-are-on-the-sell-side-the-onion-makes-alex-jones-cry-foul" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deal Dispatch: Shell, Unilever And More Are On The Sell Side; The Onion Makes Alex Jones Cry Foul</a></li>
</ul>

Small Cap

Movers

SAVE

Spirit Airlines Eyes Restructuring With Chapter 11 Filing And Equity Injection

As Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) inches closer to the Department of Justice's final proposed remedies on Nov. 20, the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL/news"> stakes couldn&#8217;t be higher</a>.



While JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth sees potential headline risk, he believes this could also bring clarity, setting the stage for Google&#8217;s response and future appeal strategies.



&#8220;The DOJ's final proposal should represent the worst possible remedies,&#8221; Anmuth notes, adding that Google&#8217;s counterproposal on Dec. 20 will likely paint a much less drastic picture. Despite these looming legal battles, Anmuth maintains an Overweight rating on GOOGL stock, citing a price target of $212 &#8211; 20% above its current levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Remedies, Risks, And The Trump Factor</h2>



The DOJ's remedies are expected to focus on limiting Google's exclusive search agreements, restructuring its Android and Chrome platforms and curbing its AI-driven monetization practices. "A separation proposal could be severe," warns Anmuth, "and remedies may extend beyond search to include limitations on AI advancements."



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41981957/meta-hit-with-841-million-eu-fine-over-antitrust-violations-tied-to-facebook-marketplace">Meta Hit With $841 Million EU Fine Over Antitrust Violations Tied To Facebook Marketplace</a>



Adding to the uncertainty, the coming Donald Trump administration could bring renewed scrutiny. Trump has oscillated between calling for Google&#8217;s &#8220;prosecution at maximum levels&#8221; and emphasizing its strategic importance in competing with China.



Such a backdrop could influence not just the final remedies but also the broader tech landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investors Eye The Bigger Picture</h2>



Despite the regulatory fog, Alphabet&#8217;s fundamentals remain robust. Recent third-quarter earnings showcased a 35% year-over-year surge in Google Cloud revenue, operating profit margins exceeding expectations, and steady progress in AI search initiatives. &#8220;Google shares are just 9% below all-time highs,&#8221; Anmuth highlights, &#8220;and the GAAP P/E multiple discount to Meta has narrowed significantly."



The road ahead includes pivotal milestones, such as the judge&#8217;s anticipated remedies decision in August 2025 and Apple&#8216;s critical choice on retaining Google as Safari's default search provider.



While challenges abound, clarity from the DOJ and Google&#8217;s continued operational strength could reassure investors.



With Alphabet's stock trading at a discount compared to its peers, Anmuth's bullish stance signals confidence in Google&#8217;s ability to navigate both courtroom battles and Wall Street expectations.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42030331/heres-when-google-gemini-could-be-integrated-with-apple-intelligence">Here&#8217;s When Google Gemini Could Be Integrated With Apple Intelligence</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Legal

Analyst Ratings

Tech

Trading Ideas

GOOG

GOOGL

Alphabet Braces For DOJ Remedies: Analyst Sees 20% Upside Despite 'Worst Possible' Risks

Charlie Giancarlo, CEO of Pure Storage, has raised concerns about U.S. tax laws pushing companies to relocate their operations abroad. This comes as businesses strive to maintain competitiveness in the global market.



What Happened: Giancarlo highlighted in an interview that current U.S. tax policies are forcing companies to consider moving their operations overseas. He pointed out that while tariffs have offered some relief, they are not the ultimate solution, Barron&#8217;s <a href="https://www.barrons.com/amp/articles/tech-pure-storage-ceo-interview-taxes-manufacturing-005625f7">reported</a> on Monday.



"It's a set of different tax laws and labor laws and so forth that make manufacturing in the U.S. economically a competitive disadvantage," he said.



Pure Storage has adopted a global manufacturing approach, with significant operations in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S., collaborating with outsourcing partners like Foxconn (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HNHPF#OTC">HNHPF</a>). The company, which serves 60% of Fortune 500 firms, including Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>), and NASA, is closely monitoring potential tax reforms under President-elect Donald Trump. S&amp;P Global suggests that a reduced corporate tax rate could boost domestic production and reduce overseas business activities.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42014985/matt-gaetz-to-be-confirmed-as-attorney-general-in-a-trump-administration-not-so-fast-polymarket-traders-say?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Gaetz To Be Confirmed As Attorney General In A Trump Administration? Not So Fast, Polymarket Traders</a>



However, S&amp;P Global also notes the uncertainty surrounding the broader economic impact of such tax changes. Companies like Pure Storage are awaiting new tariffs and trade policies to assess the future U.S. tax landscape.



Why It Matters: The discussion around U.S. tax policies is gaining momentum as Donald Trump&#8217;s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41885777/how-trumps-tax-cuts-tariffs-animal-spirits-could-shape-sp-500-earnings"> return to the White House</a> brings potential pro-business policies into focus. Analysts are adjusting their forecasts for S&amp;P 500 earnings, considering Trump&#8217;s possible policy changes, which include tax cuts and deregulation. However, trade tariffs on Chinese imports remain a potential threat to corporate earnings.



Trump&#8217;s proposal to lower the federal corporate tax <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41291635/are-trumps-proposed-corporate-tax-cuts-the-key-to-unleashing-a-stock-market-boom-heres-what-history">rate from 21% to 15%</a> has sparked debate. Some view it as a catalyst for economic growth and a stock market boom, while others remain skeptical. Historical data suggests that such tax cuts could increase U.S. GDP by 0.4% and create approximately 93,000 full-time jobs, according to the Tax Foundation.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42028523/cathie-wood-draws-reagan-era-parallels-as-elon-musk-takes-doge-helm-this-bull-market-has-just-begun-to-broaden-out?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood Draws Reagan-Era Parallels As Elon Musk Takes DOGE Helm: &#8216;This Bull Market Has Just Begun To&nbsp;Broaden Out&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image via Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

Global

General

CMCSA

HNHPF

Meta, Comcast And NASA Supplier CEO Says US Tax Laws Are Driving Business Exodus, All Eyes On Trump For Policy Change

U.S. stocks could get off to a tentative start on Monday after investors switched to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/11/42017118/stocks-tumble-as-traders-rethink-feds-action-vix-spikes-17-nasdaq-erases-back-post-trump-gains-whats-driving-markets-friday">risk-on mode last week</a> as the post-election rally lost some of its steam.



Economic data and Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell's comments about the future of rate cuts put the sentiment on a dampener. Powell said the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is not in a hurry after economic data showed strength.



Expectations of a further 25 basis point rate cut in December have fallen to just 62% now, down from 72% last week, according <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">to</a> CME Group's FedWatch tool.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Futures</td><td>Performance (+/-)</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>0.44%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>0.09%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-0.20%</td></tr><tr><td>R2K</td><td>0.52%</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 0.13% to $586.50 and the Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose 0.45% to $498.78, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data</a>.



Cues From Last Week:



All three major indices registered a decline last week, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq seeing a bigger fall. This was the week prior, Dow Jones and S&amp;P 500 registered their best week of the year after the election of Trump as the 47th U.S. president.



On the economic data front, U.S. export prices increased by 0.8% in October, while import prices rose by 0.3% month-over-month in October. U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% month-over-month in October compared to a revised 0.8% increase in September, topping market estimates of 0.3%



Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with information technology, communication services, and healthcare stocks recording the biggest losses on Friday.



However, utilities and financials stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Index</td><td>Week&#8217;s Performance (+/-)</td><td>Value</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq Composite</td><td>-2.92%</td><td>18,680.12</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-2.28%</td><td>5,870.62</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-2.34%</td><td>43,444.99</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>-5.04%</td><td>2,303.84</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Insights From Analysts:



Wells Fargo's Jay Bryson thinks the recent surge in inflation could needle the Fed to reevaluate its pace of rate cuts.



"Slower progress on inflation in recent months may prompt the Fed to reevaluate its pace of easing moving forward," he said.



On the other hand, investors will keep a close eye on earnings from AI bellwether Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), while Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investors will be interested in President-elect Donald Trump's policy outlook on regulations for autonomous driving.



Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group, maintained his bullish outlook on equities.



"The S&amp;P 500 is looking at back-to-back 20% gains. The four previous times it did this (since WWII) the next year did this: 2.6%, 31%, 26.7%, 19.5%."



He underscored that while it's not unwise to be cautious about the ongoing rally, investors should not base their concerns on the upward movement so far.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The S&amp;P 500 is looking at back-to-back 20% gains. The four previous times it did this (since WWII) the next year did this: +2.6% +31.0% +26.7% +19.5% Sure, there are reasons to be cautious, but stocks up a lot two years in a row shouldn&#39;t be one of them.&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1858235842851954762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Nathan Peterson, Director of Derivatives Analysis at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, laid<a href="https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/weekly-traders-outlook/"> out</a> the thesis for market movements for the next week.



"I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised to see an attempt to rally from these levels at the beginning of the week if we can bounce from today&#8217;s lows into the close," Peterson said.



"Further rotation out of the largest market cap sector, Information Technology, or a negative response to Nvidia&#8217;s guidance, leading to a further downdraft in overall price action."



Peterson continues to maintain a cautious stance and noted that investors will wait for Nvidia earnings with bated breath.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How To Trade Futures</a>



Upcoming Economic Data



While this week's economic calendar is not as heavy as last week's, some crucial data is scheduled for the days ahead.



<ul>
<li>On Monday, the home builder confidence index is set to be released at 10 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee&nbsp;will speak at 10 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Tuesday, data on new home construction and building permits will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee&nbsp;will speak at 12:25 p.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Wednesday, Fed Gov. Lisa Cooks will speak at 11 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman will speak at 12:15 p.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Thursday, initial jobless claims data will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack will speak at 8:45 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Existing home sales data and leading economic index will be released at 10 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid will speak at 1:10 p.m. ET.</li>



<li>Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr will speak at 4:40 p.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Friday, the S&amp;P U.S. Services and Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index will be released at 9:45 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Consumer sentiment data will be released at 10 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman will speak at 6:15 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>



Stocks In Focus:



<ul>
<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) will be in focus after reports of Trump's transition team looking to create a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pre-market-outlook/24/11/42031099/tesla-stock-responds-to-fsd-nod-in-monday-premarket-as-trump-team-prioritizes-self-driving-framework">framework for self-driving vehicles</a>. Tesla stock was up 7.9% in premarket trading on Monday.</li>



<li>Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares fell over 2% in premarket trading after reports said that its Blackwell AI chips are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42028342/blackwell-backfires-nvidias-ai-chips-struggle-with-server-overheating-impacting-meta-microsoft-and-musks-xai-data-centers">facing overheating issues</a>.</li>



<li>Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) shares were up over 12% in premarket trading after reports suggested that the company is looking to submit a plan to be in compliance once again with the listing requirements to trade on the Nasdaq.</li>



<li>Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>) shares surged over 1% after the company reached an agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) over TV rights.</li>



<li>T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) shares will also be watched closely after the company was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42022124/t-mobile-hit-by-chinese-hackers-after-rivals-att-verizon-suffer-breach-report">hit by Chinese hackers</a>.</li>



<li>Investors are awaiting earnings results from Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCOM#NASDAQ">TCOM</a>), Brady Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRC#NYSE">BRC</a>), and AECOM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACM#NYSE">ACM</a>) today.</li>
</ul>



Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:



Crude oil futures rose in the early New York session, gaining 0.78% to hover around $67.44.



The 10-year Treasury note yield continued to surge, rising to 4.465%.



Major Asian markets ended mixed on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 falling the most. A similar sentiment was also visible in European markets, which demonstrated tentativeness in early trading.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42028334/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-slip-as-feds-hawkish-stance-tempers-rally-analyst-expects-btc-to-reach-100k-before-new-year">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slip As Fed&#8217;s Hawkish Stance Tempers Rally: Analyst Expects BTC To Reach $100K Before New Year</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Earnings

Futures

Economics

Federal Reserve

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

NVDA

SMCI

TCOM

TMUS

TSLA

US Stocks On Edge As Investors Gear Up For Nvidia, Retail Earnings: Analyst Updates S&P 500 Target For 2025, Says Market Is 'Expensive'

Nvidia Corporation&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) new Blackwell AI chips are reportedly grappling with overheating issues. 



What Happened: Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell AI chips are experiencing overheating problems when connected to server racks designed to hold up to 72 chips, <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/nvidia-customers-worry-about-snag-with-new-ai-chip-servers">reported</a> The Information, citing Nvidia employees working on the problem and customers and suppliers familiar with the situation.



The chipmaker has reportedly requested its suppliers to modify the rack design multiple times to address the overheating issue. 



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42022443/ibm-disney-and-other-large-advertisers-return-to-elon-musks-x-after-a-year-long-boycott-we-super-appreciate?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBM, Disney And Other Large Advertisers Return To Elon Musk&#8217;s X After A Year-Long Boycott: &#8216;We Super Appreciate&#8217;</a>



A Nvidia spokesperson told Reuters, &#8220;Nvidia is working with leading cloud service providers as an integral part of our engineering team and process. The engineering iterations are normal and expected.&#8221;



Nvidia did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comments.



The Blackwell chips, unveiled by Nvidia in March, were initially slated to ship in the second quarter.



However, they faced delays, potentially affecting customers such as Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google and Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI.



Why It Matters: The Blackwell chip combines two silicon squares into a single component. It is touted to be 30 times faster at tasks like responding to chatbot queries than the company&#8217;s previous offering.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156900/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-says-demand-for-next-gen-blackwell-gpu-platform-insane-everyone-wants-to-hav">demand for the Blackwell GPU</a> platform was described as &#8220;insane&#8221; by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang last month.



Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell chip revenue was projected to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41883803/nvidias-blackwell-chip-revenue-could-hit-6-billion-next-quarter-analyst">hit $6 billion in the next quarter</a>, according to a Morgan Stanley analyst. This projection was made despite Nvidia being fully supply-constrained on new products.



Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/41761849/nvidia-blows-past-apple-to-become-worlds-most-valuable-company">Nvidia surpassed Apple</a> to become the world&#8217;s most valuable company, largely due to its dominance in the artificial intelligence chip market. The AI giant&#8217;s current market capitalization stands at $3.482 trillion.



Price Action: Nvidia shares closed Friday&#8217;s trading session with a 3.26% decline, settling at $141.98. In after-hours trading, the stock saw a slight uptick, reaching $142.70 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42022124/t-mobile-hit-by-chinese-hackers-after-rivals-att-verizon-suffer-breach-report?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-Mobile Hit By Chinese Hackers After Rivals AT&amp;T, Verizon Suffer Breach: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

MSFT

Nvidia's Blackwell Chips Are Extra Toasty, Server Overheating Issues Impact Meta, Microsoft And Elon Musk's xAI

On Friday, November 15, U.S. markets closed lower, with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq recording their steepest losses in two weeks. The decline was fueled by worries over delayed interest rate cuts, reactions to economic data, and Trump&#8217;s cabinet picks, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raising vaccine policy concerns.



Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42013119/whats-going-on-with-large-european-and-us-vaccine-makers" rel="noreferrer noopener">European And U.S. Vaccine Stocks Are Under Pressure &#8211; Here&#8217;s Why</a>



According to economic data, U.S. export prices rose by 0.8% in October, while import prices increased by 0.3%. Retail sales grew 0.4% month-over-month, exceeding market expectations of 0.3% but lower than September&#8217;s revised 0.8% gain.



Most S&amp;P 500 sectors fell, led by losses in tech, communication services, and healthcare, while utilities and financials gained, defying the broader market trend.



The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.47% and closed at 43,750.86, the S&amp;P 500 declined 0.50% to 5,949.17, and the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.64% to finish at 19,107.65.



Asia Markets Today



<ul>
<li>On Monday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 declined 1.05% and ended the session at 38,232.50, led by losses in the Real Estate, Shipbuilding, and Financial Services sectors.</li>



<li>Australia&#8217;s S&amp;P/ASX 200 rose 0.18% and ended the day at 8,300.20, led by gains in the Consumer Staples, Utilities and Gold sectors.</li>



<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 closed 0.50% lower at 23,462.70, and Nifty 500 down 0.28% at 21,901.10, led by losses in the Technology, Oil &amp; Gas, and Fast Moving Consumer Goods sectors.</li>



<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite declined 0.21% to close at 3,323.85, and the Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.46%, finishing the day at 3,950.38.</li>



<li>Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng gained 0.77% and closed the session at 19,576.61.</li>
</ul>



Eurozone at 05:30 AM ET



<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 index was down 0.27%.</li>



<li>Germany&#8217;s DAX slid 0.08%.</li>



<li>France&#8217;s CAC fell 0.00%.</li>



<li>FTSE 100 index traded higher by 0.30%</li>
</ul>



Commodities at 05:30 AM ET



<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading higher by 0.70% at $67.39/bbl, and Brent was up 0.73% at $71.56/bbl.</li>



<li>Oil prices rose amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, market gains were tempered by weak demand in China and a global oil surplus forecast. U.S. support for Ukrainian strikes against Russia increased geopolitical risks.</li>



<li>Natural Gas rose 2.34% to $2.888.</li>



<li>Gold was trading higher by 0.99% at $2,595.80, Silver gained 1.27% to $30.820, and Copper rose 0.46% to $4.0830.</li>



<li>Gold prices rose, supported by a slowing dollar rally. Investors await Federal Reserve comments amid strong U.S. economic data reducing expectations for December rate cuts.</li>
</ul>



U.S. Futures at 05:30 AM ET



Dow futures declined 0.22%, S&amp;P 500 futures up 0.02%, and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.35%.



Forex at 05:30 AM ET



<ul>
<li>The U.S. dollar index gained 0.02% to 106.70, the USD/JPY rose 0.41% to 154.97, and the USD/AUD rose 0.08% to 1.5484.</li>



<li>The dollar strengthened against the yen as Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled potential future rate hikes without confirming timing.</li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock

Asia

Emerging Markets

Forex

ADIV

AGOV

ASHR

BBEU

BOIL

CQQQ

EEMA

FLAX

IEMG

IEUR

KDIV

SPEM

USDU

Asia And Europe Markets Mostly Lower, Dollar's Uptrend Continues - Global Markets Today While US Slept

Leading cryptocurrencies dipped on Sunday as investors reduced their risk-taking appetite amid the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on rate cuts.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>-0.76%</td><td>$90,085.28</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-0.88%</td><td>$3,119.31</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-1.12%</td><td>$0.3621</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What Happened: Bitcoin rose above $91,000 early morning hours but lost steam and retreated below $89,000 by evening. Dip-buying eventually boosted it over $90,000.



Ethereum followed a similar trajectory, plummeting to $3,040 from an intraday high of $3,160, only to recover to $3,110 overnight.



Total cryptocurrency liquidations hit $373 million in the last 24 hours, with bullish leveraged positions losing over $258 million.



The Open Interest (OI) in Bitcoin futures rose 0.78% in the last 24 hours.



Bitcoin's funding rates across major cryptocurrency exchanges continued to be positive, indicating dominance of longs.



The "Extreme Greed" sentiment weakened sharply from 90 to 83 due to the corrective action, reading from the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index showed.



Top Gainers (24-Hours)



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>MANTRA (OM)</td><td>+50.55%</td><td>$4.13</td></tr><tr><td>Raydium (RAY)</td><td>+19.43%</td><td>$5.83</td></tr><tr><td>Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT)</td><td>+12.22%</td><td>$1.88</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.01 trillion, declining 1.25% in the last 24 hours.



Stock futures edged marginally higher Sunday night. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures rose 10 points, or 0.02%, as of 7:45 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.20%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.47%.



The three benchmark averages witnessed sell-offs last week after the Fed's Jerome Powell's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/24/11/41993899/powells-hawkish-remarks-shake-markets-stocks-fall-dollar-rockets-bitcoin-dips">hawkish tone</a> cast doubts about December's interest rate cuts.



Investors <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">priced </a>in a 62% chance of a 25 basis-point cut as per the CME FedWatch tool, down from 64.6% a week before.



See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>



Analyst Notes: Popular cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez stated that a daily close for Bitcoin above $91,000 would negate his previous bearish prediction and propel the cryptocurrency to $100,680.



<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">Finally, I believe a sustained daily close above $91,900 will invalidate this bearish <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> outlook and trigger a breakout to $100,680! <a href="https://t.co/eau2mCe0wY">https://t.co/eau2mCe0wY</a>&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1858234742224937337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



In the case of Bitcoin retrace, Martinez flagged $85,800 &#8211; $83,250 and $75,520 &#8211; $72,880 as important support levels to keep track of.



<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">In the event of a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> price correction, the key support walls to watch are $85,800 &#8211; $83,250 as well as $75,520 &#8211; $72,880. <a href="https://t.co/j0rTqnKLqT">https://t.co/j0rTqnKLqT</a>&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1858234736910684601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Michaël van de Poppe, another widely-followed cryptocurrency researcher, said he was buying Bitcoin and Ethereum dips amid growing volatility.



"Expect that we&#8217;ll see $100K per Bitcoin before 1st of January 2025," he added.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Outside of my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Altcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Altcoin</a> portfolio, it&#39;s time to be trading actively again. The volatility is going up on everything. Buying the dips on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>. Expect that we&#39;ll see $100K per Bitcoin before 1st of January 2025.&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1858235515029291124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Photo by Igor Faun on Shutterstock



Read Next:    



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42027165/musks-doge-role-boosts-dogecoin-as-brian-armstrong-shows-support">Musk&#8217;s DOGE Role Boosts Dogecoin As Brian Armstrong Shows Support</a></li>
</ul>

$DOGE

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slip As Fed's Hawkish Stance Tempers Rally: Analyst Expects BTC To Reach $100K Before New Year

The Future Fund LLC, Managing Partner Gary Black pushed back against accusations of short-term trading, clarifying his firm's Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investment approach focuses on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41870590/tesla-remains-core-for-gary-black-despite-price-cuts-earnings-drop-nvidia-google-eli-lilly-among-top-performers-in-tech-bulls-portfolio">strategic position adjustment rather than active trading</a>.



What Happened: Black revealed that The Future Fund&#8217;s average Tesla stock purchase price since early 2023 has been $162, while their average selling price has been $252. This disclosure came amid debate over the fund&#8217;s trading practices on social media platform X.



&#8220;We don&#8217;t trade Tesla,&#8221; Black stated. &#8220;We trim when Tesla&#8217;s price goes higher, which causes upside/downside to decline. We tend to buy more when Tesla&#8217;s price falls.&#8221;



The investment veteran expressed concern about growing polarization within the Tesla investor community, noting that moderate voices are being pushed out by extreme positions. Black highlighted recent instances where well-known Tesla bulls faced criticism for discussing potential short-term risks, even while maintaining overall positive outlooks.



&#8220;The community has lost some great Tesla longs as spokespeople and is in danger of losing still more because the cult is prone to attack anyone who is not over the top bullish,&#8221; Black wrote.



<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">We don't trade <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a>. As with all stocks in our portfolio, we trim when TSLA's price goes higher, which ceteris paribus causes TSLA upside/downside to decline. We tend to buy more as we did in early 2023 when TSLA's price falls. Since the beginning of 2023, our avg TSLA buy… <a href="https://t.co/vcByxTJNzh">https://t.co/vcByxTJNzh</a>&mdash; Gary Black (@garyblack00) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyblack00/status/1858271575235047804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Of particular concern to Black is the potential loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which he argues could significantly impact Tesla&#8217;s business. With electric vehicles comprising approximately 80% of Tesla&#8217;s revenue, the company faces greater exposure to EV market dynamics compared to traditional automakers.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42026926/bitcoin-hits-an-all-time-high-but-nvidia-has-outperformed-it-dramatically-over-the-last-five-years">Bitcoin Hits An All-Time High, But Nvidia Has Outperformed It Dramatically Over The Last Five Years</a>



Why It Matters: The Future Fund has maintained Tesla as a significant holding since its 2021 launch, though the position has been adjusted from 12.2% in October 2022 to 4.6% as of November 2023. These adjustments reflect Black&#8217;s disciplined investment approach and response to changing market conditions.



Tesla&#8217;s stock has shown significant volatility over the past year, trading between a low of $138.80 and a high of $358.64, according to market data. Black&#8217;s fund recently trimmed positions at $351 after the stock rose 150% from its April bottom.



&#8220;As disciplined growth investors, we have to like Tesla less at $350 than we did at $140 since the relative upside/downside is less favorable,&#8221; Black explained.



The veteran investor emphasized that maintaining a balanced perspective, including acknowledging both bullish and bearish cases, has been key to his credibility in financial media appearances.



Price Action: Tesla stock closed at $320.72 on Friday, gaining 3.07% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock edged up 0.0062%. Year to date, Tesla&#8217;s stock has risen by 29.10%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42022443/ibm-disney-and-other-large-advertisers-return-to-elon-musks-x-after-a-year-long-boycott-we-super-appreciate">IBM, Disney And Other Large Advertisers Return To Elon Musk&#8217;s X After A Year-Long Boycott: &#8216;We Super Appreciate&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image Via Shutterstock 



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Gary Black Defends Tesla Strategy Amid Clash With Elon Musk Bulls: 'We Don't Trade Tesla... We Trim When The Price Goes Higher'

Elon Musk has expressed gratitude as major brands, including IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), Comcast (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>), and Warner Bros.&nbsp;Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>), resumed advertising on X, formerly Twitter.



What Happened: On Friday, Musk took to X and expressed his appreciation to companies for recommencing advertising on X following a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36056462/elon-musks-standoff-with-apple-disney-and-other-big-advertisers-forces-x-to-turn-to-smaller-ones">year-long boycott due to brand safety concerns</a>.



This information was shared by social media personality Mario Nawfal on X.



Musk responded to Nawfal's post,&nbsp;saying,&nbsp;&#8220;Just want to say that&nbsp;we super appreciate&nbsp;major brands resuming advertising on&nbsp;our platform!&#8221;



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift Fans Abandon Elon Musk&#8217;s X For Bluesky, Says Report: How Trump&#8217;s Election Victory Triggered Swifties Uprising</a>



He also expressed&nbsp;his gratitude to&nbsp;X CEO Linda Yaccarino and&nbsp;the entire X team&nbsp;for restoring&nbsp;advertisers&#8217; confidence.



<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">Just want to say that we super appreciate major brands resuming advertising on our platform! Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/lindayaX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lindayaX</a> and the whole &#120143; team for your hard work in restoring confidence in our platform and ensuring that advertising content only appears where advertisers want it shown. <a href="https://t.co/e508KrMo9g">https://t.co/e508KrMo9g</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1857471850676367646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.



Why It Matters: In September, it was reported that more companies were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40762349/x-faces-major-advertiser-exodus-amid-string-of-elon-musk-controversies">considering pulling ads from X</a> next year due to concerns that their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35842015/ibm-pulls-adverts-from-elon-musks-x-following-antisemitic-content-allegations">brands could be harmed by the platform&#8217;s content</a>.



A Kantar survey also&nbsp;revealed that 26% more marketers&nbsp;plan to decrease their spending&nbsp;on X ads in 2025,&nbsp;marking the largest recorded decline&nbsp;in ad spending for any major global platform.



However, following the U.S. 2024 Presidential election, it was reported that some advertisers are contemplating a return to X to gain favor with Musk and President-Elect Donald Trump.



This development also comes as&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/41963996/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-eyes-2025-to-introduce-ads-on-threads-as-elon-musks-x-loses-favor-with-major-brands-report">plans to introduce ads</a> on its Threads early next year, potentially capitalizing on X&#8217;s loss of favor with major brands.



Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41927135/greg-brockman-returns-to-work-at-chatgpts-parent-company-back-to-building-openai?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greg Brockman Returns To Work At ChatGPT&#8217;s Parent Company: &#8216;Back To Building OpenAI&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Social Media

IBM, Disney And Other Large Advertisers Return To Elon Musk's X After A Year-Long Boycott: 'We Super Appreciate'

The cryptocurrency market has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a volatile asset favoured by retail traders into a more established space that is increasingly attracting institutional investors. Strengthened market infrastructure and a shifting regulatory environment have encouraged traditional financial institutions to explore the potential of digital assets.



In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, EMURGO's COO Nikhil Joshi talks about the company's blockchain innovation and transformation strategy, how it is handling rapidly changing regulatory environment, challenges faced by the global crypto market and much more.



EMURGO, a global blockchain technology company, is one of the founding entities of the Cardano blockchain. It delivers products and services aimed at advancing the adoption of Cardano's Web3 ecosystem through initiatives in education, investment, and infrastructure development.



How is EMURGO innovating in Web3, and what impact will it have on traditional finance and global financial systems?



As a founding entity of the Cardano network, EMURGO is pioneering Web3 innovations through its suite of products and partnerships aimed at accelerating the commercial adoption of blockchain. Since our inception in 2019, we have developed and advanced solutions in fintech and cemented strategic collaborations to bridge the gap between decentralised technologies and mainstream financial systems. Today, as the tokenisation of real-world assets gains traction and is slated to redefine the traditional financial ecosystem, EMURGO has emerged as a catalyst for Web3 solutions, steering education and adoption for the burgeoning sector.



As advocates for Web3, EMURGO has also been working closely with the public sector to drive positive development for the blockchain industry. Through concerted efforts, we have been embedding trust and transparency with policymakers, forging opportunities that reduce counterparty risks, streamline regulatory compliance, and pave the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.



Can you explain how EMURGO&#8217;s collaboration with Huawei Cloud is helping to scale Web3 solutions across the Asia Pacific region and beyond?



Our partnership with Huawei Cloud is a significant milestone for EMURGO and the Cardano ecosystem. As one of the world's largest cloud computing companies, Huawei Cloud&#8217;s entry into the Cardano ecosystem will bring Huawei's cloud infrastructure into Cardano's open-source public blockchain ecosystem, driving growth and Web3 adoption in APAC and Africa. At the same time, the joint partnership will lower the entry barriers for non-native players to utilise Cardano nodes and set up tech infrastructure to easily build solutions on the Cardano network.



What are EMURGO's key strategies for navigating the rapidly changing regulatory environment in Asia, and how will this affect the future of Web3 adoption?



The future of Web3 adoption in Asia hinges on the balance between innovation and regulation. Already, Asia Pacific nations are taking the lead in crypto adoption worldwide, and we've seen how jurisdictions from Singapore to Hong Kong are implementing regulatory clarity to better shape the emerging digital asset sector.



As a member of the Web3 Subcommittee of the Singapore Fintech Association, for example, EMURGO actively supports the mission to create and sustain a responsible and innovative Web3 ecosystem in Singapore and the region. This includes fostering a framework focused on innovation, consumer protection, financial education, and market integrity, which are crucial to guiding sustainable Web3 growth. Seeing the value of both sides of the coin, EMURGO's strategies have been shaped to foster dialogue and compliance within the Web3 sector, encouraging an optimal environment for innovation to thrive.



How does EMURGO integrate Web3 technology within existing Web2 frameworks, and what challenges have been encountered during this transition?



To us at EMURGO, the shift from Web2 to Web3 is not about abandoning the old for the new. Because our company's background is blended, with a few of us coming from more traditional backgrounds, we see value in melding the two worlds to complement both Web2 and Web3 ecosystems. Since our founding, we have been actively pushing for interoperability — creating tools that allow Web2 platforms to communicate better with blockchain networks. This helps traditional companies dip their toes into Web3 by incorporating features like tokenisation or decentralised identity without needing to start from scratch.



Traditional Web2 systems are built to handle millions of transactions quickly, while many newer blockchain networks face a combination of challenges due to its decentralised nature — its consensus mechanisms and the trade-offs it requires to maintain security across its decentralised network. EMURGO's role is essential here, as we invest in and support solutions that drive opportunities to integrate blockchain more efficiently, paving the way for seamless interoperability between Web2 and Web3.



What upcoming initiatives does EMURGO have planned to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the Web3 ecosystem?



Earlier in September EMURGO partnered with Ibex, the corporate innovation arm of Antler, one of the world's most active early-stage investors. The collaboration will leverage EMURGO's deep expertise and Antler's expansive global network to drive innovation at the intersection of fintech and Web3 technologies. This is the first announced partnership in a pipeline of upcoming collaborations that EMURGO will announce in due time that will focus on identifying, investing, and driving the growth of global founders and startup projects across the world.



What are the biggest challenges facing the global crypto market today, and how are these affecting the growth and adoption of blockchain technology? 



Despite crypto's growing mainstream and institutional acceptance, many still view the sector with apprehension and caution. Its reputation as a vehicle for illicit activities continues to undermine its critical use case in the future of finance. While, of course, blockchain does not equate to crypto, the technology&#8217;s interconnectivity with digital currency has become so synonymous that blockchain has faced the unintended consequences of crypto's volatility.



What we need today is more concerted efforts to educate and inform, ensuring that ignorance doesn't become a barrier to the adoption of innovative technologies and new currencies. In doing so, we can strengthen the financial ecosystem at large, ensuring the longevity of the blockchain and crypto sectors.



How are regulatory pressures and market volatility shaping the current and future landscape of the crypto industry worldwide? 



As the digital assets sector is still in its nascent stage, regulators are often playing catch up to understand how best to set guardrails to protect consumers and companies alike. In doing so, they tend to apply existing policies and approaches to the entirely new ecosystem which often run counter to the nature of Web3, resulting in ill-fitting solutions to emerging challenges. &nbsp;While regulations to shield users without impeding DeFi innovation still need to be developed, we're seeing encouraging signs of policies and initiatives that are accelerating the acceptance and adoption of crypto. Singapore, for example, is one such lighthouse jurisdiction that continues to play a leading role in the safe adoption of digital assets through regulatory clarity and oversight for digital asset exchanges and service providers.



Cross-industry collaboration is critical to developing a deeper understanding of blockchain technology and advancing the ecosystem's maturity. At EMURGO, we are committed to continuing our work with policymakers and industry stakeholders around the globe, helping unlock blockchain's full potential. Together, we aim to drive innovation, enhance security, and create more efficient, transparent systems for everyone.

Interview

EMURGO's Nikhil Joshi: Cross-Industry Collaboration Critical For Developing A Deeper Understanding Of Blockchain Tech

The past week has been a whirlwind of economic predictions and policy speculations, largely centered around President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s potential second term. From Cathie Wood&#8217;s optimistic outlook to concerns about inflation and a bold S&amp;P 500 prediction, here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.



Cathie Wood&#8217;s Reagan-Era Economic Boom Prediction



Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Investment Management LLC, has drawn parallels between Trump&#8217;s potential second term and the economic transformation during former President Ronald Reagan&#8217;s administration in the 1980s. Wood believes that Trump&#8217;s anticipated policies, including deregulation and tax cuts, could trigger significant economic growth.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41872279/cathie-wood-predicts-trumps-white-house-return-will-ignite-reagan-era-economic-boom-through-deregulation-and-tax-cuts-likely-to-turbocharge-the-us-economy">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump&#8217;s Policies Could Trigger Inflation



Despite Trump&#8217;s promises to lower prices for American consumers, economic experts warn that his proposed policies could trigger higher inflation. Key proposals raising concerns include a universal tariff of up to 20% on imports, mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, and tax cuts. Major retailers have already expressed concerns about potential price impacts.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41871407/trumps-tariffs-deportations-and-tax-cuts-may-push-prices-higher-experts-say-its-pretty-clear">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41966815/us-futures-marginally-up-as-investors-process-inflation-data-ahead-of-jerome-powells-speech-on-economy-expert-says-fed-should-continue-recalibrating-to-neutral-on-softer-in?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Futures Marginally Up As Investors Process Inflation Data Ahead Of Jerome Powell&#8217;s Speech On Economy: Expert Says Fed Should &#8216;Continue Recalibrating To Neutral&#8217; On Softer Inflation</a>



Trump&#8217;s DOGE Plan: Risks and Opportunities



Trump&#8217;s proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is raising questions about the future of U.S. defense contractors and government IT firms. The plan to restructure federal agencies and reduce wasteful spending could potentially impact these sectors.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42013424/trumps-musk-ramaswamy-doge-plan-what-it-means-for-defense-and-it-stocks">Read the full article here.</a>



Producer Inflation Rises More Than Expected



October&#8217;s producer inflation came in slightly higher than anticipated, casting doubts on whether the U.S. economy&#8217;s broader disinflationary trend will hold through the year's final quarter. The Producer Price Index (PPI) surged to 2.4% last month, marking the first increase in the annual PPI inflation rate after three straight months of declines.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/41971830/producer-inflation-rises-more-than-expected-in-october-should-traders-rethink-interest-rate-cut-path">Read the full article here.</a>



S&amp;P 500 to Hit 10,000 by 2029?



Veteran Wall Street strategist Ed Yardeni has made a bold prediction that the S&amp;P 500 index will soar to 10,000 by the end of the decade. Yardeni believes that Trump&#8217;s return to the White House, alongside a likely Republican-controlled Congress, will bring in a major regime shift that&#8217;s positive for U.S. stocks, the economy, and corporate profits.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41917731/wall-street-veteran-predicts-sp-500-to-hit-10000-by-2029-roaring-2020s">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/24/11/41993899/powells-hawkish-remarks-shake-markets-stocks-fall-dollar-rockets-bitcoin-dips?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Powell&#8217;s Hawkish Remarks Shake Markets: Stocks Fall, Dollar Rockets, Bitcoin Dips</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Media

Trump's Return, Inflation Fears, And A Bold S&P 500 Prediction: This Week In Economics

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.



The major indexes, which had been climbing following Trump&#8217;s election victory, lost momentum this week, with the S&amp;P 500 down 2.1%, the Nasdaq dropping 3.2%, and the Dow shedding 1.2%. 



October consumer inflation matched expectations, but producer inflation exceeded forecasts, sparking concerns about the sustainability of disinflation as the year closes. 



Investor sentiment weakened further after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made unexpectedly hawkish comments, emphasizing the Fed&#8217;s cautious approach and lack of urgency to reduce interest rates. As a result, market expectations for a December rate cut have significantly decreased, leaving traders uncertain <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/24/11/42018463/trumps-post-election-rally-fades-dollar-surges-to-over-1-year-highs-powell-puts-december-interest-rate-cut-into-question-this-week-in-the-market">about the Fed's next steps.</a>



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41988194/trump-plans-to-erase-ev-tax-credit-analyst-says-its-net-bullish-calls-sell-off-wrong-knee-jerk-reaction">Trump Plans To Erase EV Tax Credit: Tesla Analyst Says It&#8217;s &#8216;Net Bullish,&#8217; Calls Sell-Off &#8216;Wrong Knee-Jerk Reaction&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, discusses Donald Trump&#8217;s plan to end the $7,500 EV tax credit, which initially caused a sell-off in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares. However, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives sees it as a &#8220;net bullish&#8221; move for Tesla long-term, with minimal impact due to the company's strong market position.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41897397/bitcoin-to-peak-between-100k-150k-solana-to-top-600-this-cycle-say-hedge-funds-vcs">Bitcoin To Peak Between $100K-150K, Solana To Top $600 This Cycle, Say Hedge Funds, VCs</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a> reveals predictions from venture capital and hedge fund managers that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could peak at $150,000 and Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) at $600 this bull cycle, reflecting tempered optimism amid recent market volatility.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/11/42015289/disney-q4-report-had-a-lot-to-like-analyst-calls-it-a-high-quality-profit-growth-performer">Disney Q4 Earnings Show &#8216;A Lot To Like&#8217;: Analyst Calls It &#8216;High-Quality&#8217; Profit Growth Performer</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) exceeding Q4 direct-to-consumer profit estimates and unveiling multi-year guidance, prompting analysts like Guggenheim&#8217;s Michael Morris to raise price targets, citing double-digit EPS growth expected by 2026.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/24/11/41884655/bank-of-america-predicts-positive-stock-re-rating-for-wells-fargo-after-asset-cap-removal">Bank Of America Predicts Positive Stock Re-Rating For Wells Fargo After Asset Cap Removal</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41890600/anthony-scaramucci-optimistic-of-a-us-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-trumps-victory-accelerated-the-cycle">Anthony Scaramucci Optimistic On US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: &#8216;Trump&#8217;s Victory Accelerated The Cycle&#8217;</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41991912/sam-altman-backed-oklo-reports-q3-earnings-momentum-is-building-every-week">Sam Altman-Backed Oklo Reports Q3 Earnings: &#8216;Momentum Is Building Every Week&#8217;</a>



The Bears



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-shares-plunge-nearly-63-after-hours-as-it-delays-q3-results-mulls-equity-cancellation">Spirit Airlines Nears Bankruptcy, Creditors May Approve Equity &#8216;Cancellation:&#8217; Here&#8217;s What It Means For Investors As Shares Fall With A Thud</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/rishabhmishra-benzinga-com">Rishabh Mishra</a>, details Spirit Airlines Inc.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVE#NYSE">SAVE</a>) 63% share plunge after delaying Q3 earnings and entering restructuring talks, potentially canceling existing equity. 



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/11/41888750/gold-etf-hit-with-1-billion-outflow-investors-dump-safe-haven-asset-after-trump-win">Gold ETF Hit With $1 Billion Outflow: Investors Dump Safe Haven Asset After Trump Win</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/piero-cingari">Piero Cingari</a>, highlights a $1 billion outflow from SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) as investors shift from gold, citing expectations of a stronger dollar and economic growth under Donald Trump&#8217;s re-election, while Bitcoin gains popularity as &#8220;digital gold.&#8221;



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41986341/what-is-plug-powers-future-analysts-warn-of-cash-crunch-and-slow-hydrogen-market-growth">What Is Plug Power&#8217;s Future? Analysts Warn Of Cash Crunch And Slow Hydrogen Market Growth</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/lekha-gupta">Lekha Gupta</a>, highlights concerns over Plug Power Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLUG#NASDAQ">PLUG</a>) high cash burn and weak Q3 results, with analysts forecasting revenue below estimates for 2024 and 2025, despite potential DOE loan support and European hydrogen project backing.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41941228/att-data-breach-exposes-50-billion-records-hackers-identified-ransom-paid">AT&amp;T Data Breach Exposes 50 Billion Records: Hackers Identified, Ransom Paid</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41880110/solar-renewables-stocks-crash-after-trump-win-should-you-buy-now-at-cheap-valuations">Solar, Renewables Stocks Crash After Trump Win: Should You Buy Now At Cheap Valuations?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/41902202/trumps-china-hawks-rumored-for-top-roles-yuan-hits-3-month-low">Chinese Currency Hits 3-Month Low: Trump&#8217;s Anti-China Cabinet Appointments Rattle Investors</a>



Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Short Ideas

$SOL

PLUG

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Disney, Gold — And Hedge Funds Project Bitcoin To Hit $100K-$150K

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h3>



Evolent Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVH#NYSE">EVH</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40529349/evolent-health-explores-sale-garners-inbound-interest-from-private-equity-firms">reportedly up for sale</a>. The Arlington, Virginia-based software provide initiated an auction process after receiving takeover inquiries. Among the potential suitors are TPG Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPG#NASDAQ">TPG</a>), Clayton, Dubilier &amp; Rice, and KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>). Reuters reported that health insurer Elevance Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) may join forces with a private equity partner to pursue a deal.



Kronos Bio Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRON#NASDAQ">KRON</a>), a company focused on developing therapies for cancer, is exploring &#8220;strategic alternatives,&#8221; including an acquisition or merger.The San Mateo, Califonia-based company reported $124.9 million in cash reserves as of Sept. 30. 



Saint-Gobain (PARIS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGO#PARIS">SGO</a>) is considering a sale of its auto glass unit, which could fetch up to 2.5 billion euro ($2.6 billion), per <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/st-gobain-is-said-to-weigh-2-5-billion-sale-of-auto-glass-unit">Bloomberg</a>. The company is reportedly considering this strategic move as part of its broader business evaluation. This sale aligns with Saint-Gobain&#8217;s efforts to streamline its operations and focus on core business areas.



Shell (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) is seeking to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/shell-aims-to-sell-majority-stake-in-carbon-offsets-business?srnd=phx-deals">jettison</a> a majority of its carbon offsets portfolio. The company first launched the portfolio of offsets, which covers dozens of projects, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-08-31/shell-silently-abandoned-its-100-million-a-year-plan-to-offset-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2018</a>. 



Unilever (LSE: ULVR) is exploring the sale of some Dutch food brands, including Unox soups and Conimex seasonings. According to Reuters, the company will instead focus on its biggest &#8220;power&#8221; labels.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42024210/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-disney-gold-and-hedge-funds-project-bitcoin-to-hit-100k-150k">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Disney, Gold — And Hedge Funds Project Bitcoin To Hit $100K-$150K</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h3>



Alex Jones&#8217;s media company, Infowars, is now the property of satirical publication The Onion. The publication&#8217;s backers were none other than the families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41982446/jokes-on-jones-onion-backed-by-families-of-sandy-hook-victims-buys-info-wars">of Sandy Hook victims</a>. Observers praised the deal as poetic justice, considering Jones owes over $1 billion in defamation judgments against those families. Jones, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36168941/elon-musks-controversial-move-alex-jones-returns-to-x-after-user-vote">has garnered sympathy from</a> right-wing personalities like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, confirmed the acquisition in a visibly distressed social media video, blaming &#8220;Democrats.&#8221;



Diamond Sports Group&#8216;s restructuring will include reducing its debt from nearly $9 billion to $200 million, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42388454/diamond-sports-group-emerges-bankruptcy">ESPN</a> reports. The restructuring plan received what Diamond categorized as &#8220;nearly unanimous support&#8221; from debt holders. Diamond, currently possessing $100 million in liquidity, will emerge from bankruptcy and operate as a stand-alone entity. Sinclair, the parent company, took on $8 billion in debt to buy regional channels from Fox for $10.6 billion in 2019. That debt contributed to Diamond&#8217;s bankruptcy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h3>



Currently, there are no concrete indications that Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>) is actively pursuing a sale. Recent speculation regarding Humana being acquired by Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) was definitively addressed, with Cigna explicitly stating that it is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41877573/cigna-not-pursuing-humana-merger-stock-soars">not pursuing a merger</a> with Humana at this time. This clarification came after rumors reignited post-election, driven by the potential for more lenient antitrust reviews under the new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">Republican administration and Congress</a>.



Spirit Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVE#NYSE">SAVE</a>) is no longer in deal talks with Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>). It&#8217;s now in advanced discussions with bondholders to finalize a bankruptcy plan. The carrier continues to struggle with mounting losses and looming debt maturities. A bankruptcy filing is expected to happen within weeks, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-nears-bankruptcy-creditors-may-approve-equity-cancellation-heres-what-it-means-for-investors-as-shares-fall-with-a-thud">the Wall Street Journal</a>.



MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEIP#NASDAQ">MEIP</a>) continues to explore M&amp;A opportunities, hiring Oppenheimer &amp; Co., Inc. as an exclusive financial advisor to assist the process. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company commenced cash preservation efforts that include a reduction-in-force, which will continue in stages as the Company's operational and strategic direction evolves.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h3>



Wall Street anticipates a surge in M&amp;A as Republicans take control of Congress and deregulate. Analysts expect Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan's removal, which could ease antitrust scrutiny. Bank of America highlights that Republican administrations, like President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s, historically foster over 50% more financial sector M&amp;A activity compared to Democratic ones. 



Bank of America also predicts that 2025 could mark a better year for M&amp;A as rate cuts take effect and economic conditions stabilize. Here&#8217;s a list of five potential targets the bank compiled. For the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">full list, click here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Company</th><th>Sector</th><th>Market Cap ($M)</th><th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th><th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td><td>Health Care</td><td>13,932</td><td>4.4</td><td>25.3</td></tr><tr><td>Ralph LaurenCorp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td><td>Consumer Disc.</td><td>12,473</td><td>5.99</td><td>10.5</td></tr><tr><td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td><td>Comm. Services</td><td>7,250</td><td>3.4</td><td>46.4</td></tr><tr><td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td><td>Technology</td><td>14,480</td><td>6.39</td><td>12.7</td></tr><tr><td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td><td>Consumer Disc.</td><td>9,215</td><td>3.6</td><td>27.5</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



For last week&#8217;s Deal Dispatch, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/24/11/41866114/deal-dispatch-prison-companies-in-focus-post-election-tripadvisor-boasts-11b-in-cash">click here</a>.



Now Read: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41699259/nvidia-rides-ai-wave-to-replace-intel-on-dow-jones-industrial-average-ending-its-25-year-run">Nvidia Rides AI Wave To Replace Intel On Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ending Its 25-Year Run</a></li>
</ul>

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Deal Dispatch: Shell, Unilever And More Are On The Sell Side; The Onion Makes Alex Jones Cry Foul

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