BIT: Bitcoin options market shifts to defensive stance as demand for downside protection rises significantly

On October 9, TD Cowen lowered its price target for UnitedHealth Group (UNH.N) from $430 to $402 ahead of the company's third-quarter earnings report on October 13. The brokerage stated that the widely expected third-quarter medical cost ratio of 89.9% and earnings per share of $4.12 are "well within reach." The report pointed out that recently announced Medicare star ratings have fallen as anticipated, which is expected to create a $1.5 billion revenue headwind in 2028. The new price target represents a 6.9% upside from the stock's previous closing price. "We also expect management to comment on preliminary expectations for 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment growth and may emphasize a focus on margins over enrollment growth," the brokerage added. Earnings forecasts remain unchanged, but a lowered valuation multiple led to the reduction in price target. Among 29 brokerages, 23 rate the stock a "buy" or higher, while 6 rate it "hold"; the median price target is $483.82, according to LSEG data. As of the previous close, the stock is up 12.3% year-to-date.

October 9 - Snack and soft drink giant PepsiCo (PEP.O) warned on Thursday that the recovery of growth and profit margins in its key North American market will take longer than planned, and stated it will implement further cost-cutting measures to offset weak demand for its snacks and beverages. Twenty-five analysts have given the stock an average rating of "Hold," with a median target price of $145, according to data compiled by LSEG. JPMorgan (rating: "Neutral," target price: $137) pointed out that the company remains strong in international markets, but demand for snacks and beverages in North America remains weak, with limited signs of near-term improvement. Deutsche Bank (rating: "Hold," target price: $132) noted that PepsiCo's North American Beverages (PBNA) segment continues to lag the competition, with weak profit margins. Although the company plans to strengthen brand investment and execution, the path to sustained improvement remains unclear. Piper Sandler ("Overweight," target price: $140) indicated that the company faces weak U.S. demand and cost pressures. While new protein and hydration products may support growth, such prospects have yet to be validated. RBC Capital Markets ("Sector Perform," target price: $150) highlighted that North American beverages remain the main drag, while franchise re-authorization could support longer-term growth.

05:41 AM EDT, 10/09/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Kimberly-Clark (KMB) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $114.14, according to analysts polled by FactSet. (MT Newswires covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www.mtnewswires.com/contact-us)

KWAP raised its stake in Inari Amertron via an open-market purchase of 2,279,500 shares on Oct. 8. Total holdings increased to 385,836,100 shares, comprising 310,316,100 direct shares (8.03%) and 75,520,000 indirect shares (1.95%). The disclosure notice was dated Oct. 9. Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Inari Amertron Bhd published the original content used to generate this news brief via Bursa Malaysia (KLSE) (Ref. ID: 3713681) on October 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.