iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS: IGV)

最新ニュース iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:IGV)

iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF

iShares North American Tech-Software ETF

Technology

Communication Services

Financial Services

The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the S&P North American Expanded Technology Software Index; the Underlying Index, which measures the performance of U.S.-traded stocks from the software industry and select companies from the interactive home entertainment and interactive media and services sub-industries in the U.S. and Canada, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC; the Index Provider or SPDJI.

Adobe Inc

Salesforce.Com Inc

Oracle Corp.

Microsoft Corp

Intuit, Inc.

Servicenow Inc

Palo Alto Networks Inc.

Synopsys Inc.

Cadence Design Systems Inc.

Roper Technologies Inc.

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) introduced Agentforce 2dx, which is the latest version of its digital labor platform designed to integrate autonomous <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/b44139059/salesforce-launches-agentforce-2dx-with-new-capabilities-to-embed-proactive-agentic-ai-into-any-wo" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI agents into business operations</a>.
This update moves beyond traditional chat interfaces, enabling AI agents to work proactively in the background without continuous human supervision.
Agentforce 2dx introduces new low-code and pro-code tools, enabling Salesforce developers to efficiently configure, test, and deploy AI agents.
These tools come with advanced analytics for real-time monitoring, debugging, and optimization.
Salesforce has launched the free Agentforce Developer Edition, allowing developers to prototype AI agents and explore Data Cloud, its hyperscale data engine.
Adam Evans, EVP and GM of Salesforce&#8217;s AI Platform, said, &#8220;By extending digital labor beyond CRM, we&#8217;re making it easier than ever for businesses to embed agentic AI into any workflow or application to handle routine tasks, augment employees, and connect with customers.&#8221;
&#8221;With deep integrations across Salesforce&#8217;s digital labor platform, CIOs, IT leaders, and developers can seamlessly build agents and automate work wherever it happens, driving efficiency, fueling innovation, and unlocking new opportunities in the $6 trillion digital labor market.&#8221;
Yesterday, the company introduced AgentExchange, which is a marketplace and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/03/44113171/agentexchange-salesforces-new-ai-marketplace-targets-6-trillion-digital-labor-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">community integrated within Salesforce</a>.
AgentExchange streamlines AI agent deployment with a library of ready-to-use templates and actions while allowing partners to monetize their components.
Launching with over 200 partners and hundreds of pre-vetted actions, the platform ensures security and customer-reviewed solutions for seamless AI integration across industries.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and&nbsp;REX FANG &amp; Innovation Equity Premium Income ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEPI#NASDAQ">FEPI</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are down 0.47% at $285.98 at the last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44116610/investors-shouldnt-run-to-the-hills-over-tariffs-dan-ives-points-to-8-ai-stocks-to-own" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Investors Shouldn&#8217;t &#8216;Run To The Hills&#8217; Over Tariffs: Dan Ives Points To 8 AI Stocks &#8216;To Own&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Equities

Large Cap

News

FEPI

Salesforce Unveils Agentforce 2dx: AI Agents That Work Beyond Chatbots

On Tuesday, Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) introduced AgentExchange, which is a marketplace and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/b44106251/salesforce-launches-agentexchange-the-trusted-marketplace-for-agentforce" rel="noreferrer noopener">community integrated within Salesforce</a>.
At launch, AgentExchange features over 200 partners and hundreds of pre-built actions, topics, and templates, all rigorously reviewed for security and customer standards.
These solutions enable businesses to deploy AI agents efficiently, driving productivity, innovation, and operational effectiveness across industries.
Building on the success of Salesforce AppExchange, AgentExchange enhances Agentforce, Salesforce's digital labor platform, by expanding its capabilities and ecosystem.
This platform is expected to create new opportunities for partners, developers, and Agentblazers to engage in the rapidly growing $6 trillion digital labor market.
Alice Steinglass, EVP &amp; GM of Platform, Integration and Automation at Salesforce said, &#8220;Now our developer community can directly tap the expertise of our partner ecosystem to get the right industry-specific solutions so they can build and implement AI agents, and be the pioneers turning their businesses into Agentforce companies.&#8221;
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43919364/ai-meets-data-salesforce-google-collaborate-to-revolutionize-autonomous-business-agents" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce &amp; Google Supercharge AI: New Partnership Unlocks Next-Gen Business Automation</a>
In a separate release, Salesforce disclosed that 1-800Accountant is leveraging Agentforce <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/b44106209/1-800accountant-adopts-salesforces-agentforce-to-scale-expertise-during-tax-season-surge-now-resol" rel="noreferrer noopener">to enhance customer support</a>.
Agentforce, Salesforce's digital labor solution, now enables 1-800Accountant's service teams to deliver seamless, 24/7 assistance.
Ryan Teeples, Chief Technology Officer, 1-800Accountant, said, &#8220;With Agentforce now helping to resolve up to 50% of incoming requests, we can securely address responses to questions like tax return status, freeing our team to focus on more complex tasks while ensuring fast, secure, personalized support.&#8221;
Adam Evans, EVP and GM, Salesforce AI stated, &#8220;With Agentforce, they&#8217;re able to implement new&nbsp;agentic AI&nbsp;solutions to make meaningful improvements to customer satisfaction while also improving the work experience for their dedicated customer representatives.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and&nbsp;REX FANG &amp; Innovation Equity Premium Income ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEPI#NASDAQ">FEPI</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are down 2.56% at $285.56 at the last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/44019376/salesforces-shares-drop-on-missed-fy-guidance-analyst-recommends-focus-on-bookings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce&#8217;s Shares Drop On Missed FY Guidance, Analyst Recommends Focus On Bookings</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Movers

AgentExchange: Salesforce's New AI Marketplace Targets $6 Trillion Digital Labor Market

At the Oracle Customer Edge Summit, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) disclosed several <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/n44074520/new-ai-agent-capabilities-in-oracle-textura-help-accelerate-subcontractor-payments" rel="noreferrer noopener">new features and launches</a>.
The company unveiled new AI agent features integrated into the Oracle Textura Payment Management Cloud Service.
This AI-powered assistant, available to all Textura subcontractors in the U.S., offers real-time, tailored support, helping users quickly find answers to frequently asked pay application questions and complete other essential tasks.
Mike Antis, global vice president, Textura said, &#8220;With the ability to get in-app, real-time assistance 24/7, we are helping our general contractor customers improve the relationships with their subcontractors while reducing costly support calls.&#8221;
&#8221;This enhancement helps improve the experience for the 200,000 subcontractors who log in to Textura each month, assisting them to quickly find the answers they need to get paid and focus more of their time on the job at hand.&#8221;
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43533189/oracle-enhances-cloud-hcm-with-ai-helping-businesses-improve-hr-efficiency" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oracle Enhances Cloud HCM With AI, Helping Businesses Improve HR Efficiency</a>
Also, Oracle introduced Oracle Energy and Water Data Exchange, which is a cloud-based solution designed to simplify data <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/n44075001/oracle-helps-utilities-transform-raw-data-into-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener">integration, sharing, and AI-driven insights</a>.
With this solution, cloud developers, data scientists, and analysts can accelerate key projects such as data mining, predictive analytics, and generative AI applications.
Hillary Martin, vice president of analytics and innovation, Oracle Infrastructure stated, &#8220;By cleansing, organizing, and adding the appropriate meaning&nbsp;to an organization&#8217;s data,&nbsp;Oracle Energy and Water Data Exchange makes data easier to find, understand, and leverage for AI and advanced analytics use cases that can transform raw data into actionable insights.&#8221;
Last month, Oracle launched the Oracle US Gov West (Phoenix) and Azure US Gov Arizona (Phoenix) regions for Oracle <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n44004160/oracle-interconnect-for-microsoft-azure-now-supports-oracle-us-government-cloud" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interconnect for </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n44004160/oracle-interconnect-for-microsoft-azure-now-supports-oracle-us-government-cloud" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Azure</a>.
This allows joint customers to seamlessly migrate workloads to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and Azure FedRAMP High-authorized environments.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Pacer Funds Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRFK#NYSE">TRFK</a>) and&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>).
Price Action: ORCL shares are down 0.74% at $164.83 at the last check Monday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44070216/billionaire-investor-howard-marks-warns-against-ais-powerful-novelty-and-fomo-as-nvidia-other-ai-linked-stocks-tumble-in-2025-this-is-the-kind-of-enthusiasm-that-sometimes-leads-to-bubbles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billionaire Investor Howard Marks Warns Against AI&#8217;s &#8216;Powerful&#8217; Novelty And FOMO As Nvidia, Other AI-Linked Stocks Tumble In 2025: Says This Enthusiasm &#8216;Sometimes Leads To Bubbles&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Contracts

ORCL

TRFK

Oracle Boosts AI In Construction And Cloud With New Innovations At Customer Edge Summit

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

CSCO

IBKR

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Fiserv, Cisco Systems, Interactive Brokers Group, iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF

Cloud software company Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) significantly expanded its strategic partnership with Google to offer businesses greater flexibility in selecting AI models and capabilities for building<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43911729/salesforce-and-google-bring-gemini-to-agentforce-enable-more-customer-choice-in-major-partnership-" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and deploying AI-driven agents</a>.
The enhanced partnership strengthens customers&#8217; ability to leverage data, AI, and trust to integrate autonomous agents into their businesses effectively.
Through this expanded partnership, Salesforce customers can now build Agentforce agents using Gemini and deploy Salesforce on Google Cloud.
This builds upon their existing collaboration, which enables seamless, bidirectional data integration between Data Cloud and Google BigQuery using zero-copy technology.
This partnership extends beyond core product integrations, creating a more connected and intelligent data foundation for businesses.
Salesforce and Google Cloud said they are committed to continuous innovation, with deeper collaboration planned throughout 2025.
Enhanced integrations across Data Cloud, BigQuery, and Cortex Framework will streamline secure AI agent deployment using enterprise data.
Additionally, new native integrations between Tableau, Looker, and BigQuery will enable businesses to manage and visualize data seamlessly within a unified interface, ensuring standardized business logic and data definitions.
Earlier this month, Salesforce declared its intention&nbsp;to invest in&nbsp;Saudi Arabia to bolster <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43616463/salesforce-and-aws-pledge-500m-to-boost-ai-development-in-saudi-arabia" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence (AI) development</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and REX FANG &amp; Innovation Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEPI#NASDAQ">FEPI</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are up 0.14% at $310.22 at the last check Monday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43681134/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-western-software-superiority-will-make-america-stronger-as-stock-soars-368-on-ai-boom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir CEO Alex Karp Says Western Software Superiority Will Make America &#8216;Stronger&#8217; As Burgeoning AI Demand Pushes Stock Up 368%</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Tech

Salesforce & Google Supercharge AI: New Partnership Unlocks Next-Gen Business Automation

Cybersecurity firm Fortinet, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTNT#NASDAQ">FTNT</a>) released its upbeat fourth-quarter print on Thursday.
Fortinet reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43546703/fortinet-stock-surges-on-q4-earnings-beat" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a> of $1.66 billion, up 17%, topping the&nbsp;consensus estimate&nbsp;of $1.59 billion. The cybersecurity company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 74 cents per share, above analyst estimates of 61 cents per share.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43475080/paypal-beats-q4-estimates-as-transaction-margins-and-payment-volume-drive-growth-eyes-2025-growth-with-strong-tmd-eps-outlook-ahead-of-investor-day-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">PayPal Transaction Margins and Payment Volume Drive Growth, Eyes 2025 Growth With Strong TMD Ahead of Investor Day: Analyst</a>
Fortinet expects first-quarter revenue of $1.5 billion-$1.56 billion versus estimates of $1.53 billion. The company anticipates first-quarter adjusted earnings of 52 cents-54 cents per share versus estimates of 53 cents per share.
Wall Street analysts rerated the stock:
<ul>
<li>Needham analyst Matt Dezort reiterated a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FTNT/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hold on Fortinet</a>.</li>
<li>Guggenheim analyst John Difucci maintained a Neutral on Fortinet.</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst reiterated a Buy on Fortinet with a price target of $130.</li>
</ul>
Needham: Fortinet reported a strong fourth quarter with Billings and Product Revenue well ahead, while guidance was mixed with first-quarter Billings growth of ~11%, modestly below consensus and full-year in-line across the board.
Product Revenue growth of +18% beat consensus by ~10% and was driven by early firewall refresh activity, which was particularly strong in Enterprise/ Mid-Market.
Billings grew 7% to $2 billion, $50 million above forecast, driven by double-digit growth from both SASE and SecOps and strong growth in $5 million-$10 million deals, up 90%.
Fortinet is implementing several new GTM initiatives to maximize the refresh opportunity, including adding capacity, vertical sales plays, and renewed channel incentives. CFO Keith Jensen announced he will be retiring, and Chief Accounting Officer Ms. Christiane Ohlgart will take over the role.
Guggenheim: Fortinet reported fourth-quarter results that were better than consensus estimates as total revenue accelerated to 17% growth and billings grew 7%.
New ARR for Software (Subscription + Support) was flattish, but if assuming a 5-year life for the New Workload, Difucci estimates New ARR was modestly positive (+3%) for the first time in 6 quarters.
In other words, the business is improving, but it remains challenging. First-quarter guidance was essentially in line, though revenue was below consensus at the midpoint, while annual 2025 guidance was better than the Street.
There continues to be much discussion around the product refresh cycle associated with supporting end-of-life in 2026 for products that would constitute $400 million to 450 million in Product revenue over the next two years.
However, Difucci modeled a natural Product refresh on a 5-year bell curve, coincidentally yielding a natural incremental refresh of about $450 million over the next two years. This would provide ample upside to Product and Support revenue implied in guidance, though less to Subscription. Then it comes down to what all this is worth.
Difucci does not see Fortinet as expensive at 17 times EV/NTM recurring revenue or 38 times EV/NTM FCF after the close, but it is not incredibly cheap, either.
While Difucci is comfortable that the Product refresh will provide some business traction, the stock has doubled since the company started pushing this narrative versus the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>), up 24%.
This, in addition to the consistently sluggish momentum in the business, as reflected in New ARR growth, or lack thereof, over the past year and a half, kept the analyst at Neutral.
Goldman Sachs: Fortinet&#8217;s fourth-quarter billings were 2% above the Street, EBIT was 550bps above, and EPS was 22% above. Fiscal 2025 Billings guidance of +12% and EBIT guidance of 32% (at the midpoint) was in line with the Street.
The fourth-quarter results and 2025 commentary illustrate that Fortinet&#8217;s extensive firewall installed base is still early in realizing the potential of upsell from adopting newer converged networking technologies.
EBIT margin outperformance (550bps above the Street) continues to illustrate Fortinet&#8217;s structurally better unit economics.
Price Action: FTNT stock is up 4.03% at $108.94 at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43475015/spotifys-strong-subscriber-growth-and-rising-margins-keep-analysts-bullish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify Is Still One Of Top 4 Best Ideas For 2025: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Price Target

Reiteration

FTNT

Fortinet's Firewall Refresh and Enterprise Deals Drive Growth, Analysts Highlight Upsell Potential

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) shares are trading higher on Thursday after the company introduced new role-based AI agents for one of its solutions.
What Happened: Oracle Fusion Cloud <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n43520364/oracle-ai-agents-help-hr-leaders-reshape-the-employee-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Capital Management (HCM)</a>, part of the Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite, is a comprehensive solution that integrates every HR process from hire to retire.
The tool is expected to enhance the employee experience and improve workforce productivity for HR and business leaders.
These AI agents, which is now available to customers, streamlines complex workflows by automating repetitive tasks, enabling employees to focus on more meaningful work.
The AI agents integrated into Oracle Cloud HCM enhance the employee experience and productivity by providing personalized career support, automating administrative tasks, and simplifying processes such as onboarding, contracts, performance reviews, and perks management.
Why It Matters: &#8220;The new AI agents in Oracle Cloud HCM help HR and business leaders automate some of the most time-consuming tasks, enabling employees to focus on work that really matters, and unlocking new levels of productivity across their workforce,&#8221; Oracle EVP Chris Leone said. 
Last month, the tech giant teamed up with Elon Musk's&nbsp;Starlink, the largest satellite network globally, to improve connectivity for its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43274458/oracle-integrates-elon-musks-starlink-to-provide-global-high-speed-communication" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enterprise Communications Platform (ECP)</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Pacer Funds Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRFK#NYSE">TRFK</a>) and&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>).
Price Action: Oracle shares are trading higher by 1.01% at $173.40 premarket on the last check Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43494592/jpmorgan-picks-winners-losers-after-deepseek-debut-how-alphabet-amazon-intel-and-oracle-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPMorgan Picks Winners, Losers After DeepSeek Debut: How Alphabet, Amazon, Intel And Oracle Rank</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Oracle Enhances Cloud HCM With AI, Helping Businesses Improve HR Efficiency

On CNBC's &#8220;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/01/30/final-trades-alphabet-rtx-baker-hughes-and-the-igv.html">Halftime Report Final Trades</a>,&#8221; Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners said he likes Alphabet Inc. (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>).
Supporting his view, Oppenheimer analyst Jason Helfstein, on Thursday, maintained Alphabet with an Outperform rating and raised the price target <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL/analyst-ratings">from $215 to $225</a>.
Kevin Simpson of Capital Wealth Planning said RTX Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) has incredible free cash flow and is around 55% higher than last year. The company also has dividend growth for 31 years in a row.
Adding support to this choice, Wells Fargo analyst Matthew Akers, on Thursday, maintained RTX with an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $151 to $156, while Bank of America Securities analyst Ronald Epstein maintained the stock with a Buy and boosted the price target from $145 to $155.
On Tuesday, the company said net sales increased 9% year-over-year (Y/Y) to $21.623 billion, beating the consensus of $20.535 billion. Adjusted EPS grew 19% Y/Y to $1.54, above the consensus of $1.38.
 Don't forget to check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>.
In the energy sector, Joshua Brown of Virtus Investment Partners picked Baker Hughes Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKR#NYSE">BKR</a>).
Supporting his view, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta, on Jan. 23, maintained Baker Hughes with a Buy and raised the price target from $51 to $52.
Rounding out the trades, Liz Young Thomas of SoFi named iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#NYSE">IGV</a>), saying it's the next beneficiary of this AI theme.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Alphabet shares gained 2.8% to close at $200.87 on Thursday.</li>
<li>RTX shares climbed 3.1% to settle at $128.98 during Thursday's session.</li>
<li>iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF fell 0.7% during the session.</li>
<li>Baker Hughes shares rose 3.5% to close at $44.60 on Thursday.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43335398/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-spotlight-on-3-risk-off-stocks-delivering-high-dividend-yields">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Spotlight On 3 Risk Off Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Markets

Media

GOOG

GOOGL

Alphabet, RTX, Baker Hughes And More On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Alphabet Class A, RTX, Baker Hughes, iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) shares are trading higher premarket on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the company disclosed new AI agents and generative AI features in Oracle Fusion Cloud Sales to enhance sales <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/n43118973/oracle-ai-agents-help-sales-teams-create-more-meaningful-customer-connections" rel="noreferrer noopener">engagement and streamline processes</a>.
These AI capabilities, integrated with Oracle Fusion Cloud Customer Experience (CX), would help sales teams streamline communication, maintain up-to-date records, and build stronger customer relationships.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43111153/nvidia-and-ai-stock-rises-as-trump-announces-500-billion-stargate-ai-infrastructure-venture" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia, AI Stocks Rise As Trump Announces $500 Billion Stargate AI Infrastructure Venture</a>
The AI-powered engagement agent generates optimized emails, while the records agent automates activity summaries and data entry.
Rob Tarkoff, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Cloud CX said, &#8220;The new AI agents and generative AI capabilities within Oracle Cloud Sales eliminate many of these rigid and time-consuming tasks, which enables sales teams to boost productivity and create more impactful connections with customers.&#8221;
Gartner predicts that by 2026, B2B sales teams using generative AI will cut prospecting and customer-meeting prep time by over 50%.
Yesterday, co-founder&nbsp;Larry Ellison unveiled plans for an artificial intelligence-driven cancer vaccine system <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43118941/oracles-larry-ellison-says-cancer-vaccine-tailored-in-48-hours-could-soon-be-a-reality-as-trump-announces-500-billion-ai-investment" rel="noreferrer noopener">that could deliver personalized treatments within 48 hours</a>.
The announcement came as part of a broader $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative called Stargate, a joint venture between Oracle,&nbsp;OpenAI, and&nbsp;SoftBank Group. The project will&nbsp;establish massive data centers&nbsp;across the U.S., starting with a facility in Abilene, Texas.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and FT Vest Technology Dividend Target Income ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDVI#BATS">TDVI</a>).
Price Action: ORCL shares are up 9% at $188.10 premarket at the last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43119814/google-parent-owned-startup-to-launch-ai-designed-drug-trials-by-year-end-partnering-with-eli-lilly-and-novartis-to-tackle-major-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Parent-Owned Startup To Launch AI-Designed Drug Trials By Year-End, Partnering With Eli Lilly And Novartis To Tackle Major Diseases</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

TDVI

Oracle Unveils AI-Powered Sales Tools To Boost Customer Engagements: Details

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) disclosed that WE Fashion had chosen Oracle Cloud to modernize its business processes and enhance the agility and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/n43089876/we-fashion-restyles-its-operations-with-oracle-cloud" rel="noreferrer noopener">security of its omnichannel operations</a>.
WE Fashion is one of the leading fashion retailers in Netherlands that serves men, women, and kids across 25+ countries through various channels and online partners.
By adopting the Oracle Retail Suite and Oracle Fusion Cloud Warehouse Management, WE Fashion aims to harness AI to optimize merchandise management across its 133 stores and distribution centers.
WE Fashion will use Oracle Retail Merchandising Cloud Services and AI Foundation to streamline operations, optimize inventory, and enhance decision-making with AI-driven insights.
Joris Aperghis, WE Fashion&#8217;s CEO said, &#8220;As a longtime partner, Oracle was a natural option as we looked to move our systems to the cloud, enabling enhanced business continuity, strengthened cybersecurity, and greater innovation. After a very thorough comparison with alternative vendors and detailed discovery process with Oracle, we chose them.&#8221;
&#8221;With these systems, we will be well positioned to support growth, navigate the changing demands of the market, and continually delight and engage our customers.&#8221;
Last week, Oracle stated that its project and financial management solutions is expected to support Atlas Salt, Inc. in developing the Great Atlantic Salt (GAS) deposit. The GAS project aims to produce up to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/n42970919/atlas-salt-unifies-project-teams-and-data-with-oracle-cloud" rel="noreferrer noopener">2.5 million tons of rock salt annually</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Pacer Funds Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRFK#NYSE">TRFK</a>) and iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>).
Price Action: ORCL shares are up 1.34% at $163.20 premarket at the last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43078874/elon-musk-jeff-bezos-mark-zuckerberg-among-those-in-race-to-become-first-trillionaires-oxfam-warns-of-growing-wealth-inequality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg Among Those In Race To Become First Trillionaires, Oxfam Warns Of Growing Wealth Inequality</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

WE Fashion Taps Oracle Cloud For Global Retail Solutions: Details

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) shares are trading higher on Tuesday. The company disclosed that SharkNinja, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SN#NYSE">SN</a>) is adopting its Agentforce and Commerce Cloud solutions to enhance personalized customer service through autonomous agents and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b42971491/sharkninja-powers-up-global-customer-service-with-agentforce" rel="noreferrer noopener">support its global expansion efforts</a>.
Agentforce is expected to aid SharkNinja in deploying AI agents that autonomously handle tasks across various business functions.
Notably, Agentforce will provide SharkNinja with a 24/7 digital workforce to assist customers with purchases, product inquiries, troubleshooting, and returns, reducing human agent workloads and enabling them to focus on more impactful interactions.
Agentforce is anticipated to streamline tasks such as guiding purchases, resolving product queries, and managing returns, allowing human agents to focus on high-value engagements and enhancing the overall customer experience.
SharkNinja will leverage Commerce Cloud to unify customer data, enabling personalized shopping experiences and better tracking of global customer engagement.
Adam Evans, EVP &amp; GM of Salesforce AI Platform, said, &#8220;By integrating customer data with service and support functions, Agentforce enables SharkNinja to deliver an exceptional experience at every touchpoint — building customer loyalty and keeping them coming back time and time again.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the CRM stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and First Trust DJ Internet Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDN#NYSE">FDN</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are up 1.3% at $323.21 at the last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42917603/salesforce-empowers-retailers-with-ai-to-boost-efficiency-and-sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce Launches Retail Cloud And Agentforce Solutions: Details</a></li>
</ul>
Image sourced from Shutterstock.

First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund

SharkNinja Taps Salesforce Solutions For Personalized Customer Journeys: Details

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) shares are trading lower on Friday. The company introduced two new AI-driven solutions for retailers: Agentforce <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b42910317/salesforce-unveils-agentforce-for-retail-to-boost-productivity-with-digital-labor-and-retail-cloud" rel="noreferrer noopener">for Retail and Retail Cloud with Modern POS</a>.
These solutions aim to enhance productivity for store associates, customer service teams, digital merchants and deliver more personalized shopping experiences.
Agentforce for Retail offers a pre-built library of agent skills, enabling retailers to deploy AI agents that automate tasks like order management and appointment scheduling, improving shopper engagement at scale.
On the other hand, Retail Cloud with Modern POS integrates online and in-store data into a unified platform, providing mobile POS, clienteling, endless aisle, mixed cart checkout, omnichannel fulfillment, and inventory management, helping associates serve customers more efficiently.
The company stated that Retail Cloud with Modern POS is expected to be generally available by April 2025.
Additionally, Salesforce will introduce enhanced reasoning and retrieval-augmented generation capabilities in February 2025.
Also, Commerce Skills for Guided Shopping, which includes features such as product search, product recommendations, add to cart, re-order, and WISMO (Where Is My Order), will be available in March 2025, alongside Commerce Skills for Order Management.
Notably, SharkNinja and Saks are using Salesforce solutions to enhance employee efficiency and improve customer interactions.
Nitin Mangtani, SVP and GM of Retail at Salesforce, said that the combination of AI-powered digital tools and a modern POS system can significantly expand retailers&#8217; operational capabilities. With the newly introduced Agentforce skills and an intuitive cloud-based POS solution, Salesforce aims to enable retailers to provide seamless, connected shopping experiences across both physical and digital channels, driving efficiency gains and fueling enterprise-wide growth.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and First Trust DJ Internet Index Fund&nbsp;&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDN#NYSE">FDN</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are down 2.41% at $319.03 at the last check Friday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735573/two-magnificent-7-giants-snubbed-in-dan-ives-top-10-tech-winners-for-the-ai-revolution-into-2025-but-palantir-salesforce-and-snowflake-made-the-cut" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir, Salesforce, And Snowflake Made The Cut, But 2 &#8216;Magnificent 7&#8242; Giants Left Out From Dan Ives&#8217; Top 10 Tech Winners For The AI Revolution In 2025 List</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Salesforce Launches Retail Cloud And Agentforce Solutions: Details

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) stated that an expanded collaboration with the Adecco Group AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AHEXF#OTC">AHEXF</a>) will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42528056/the-adecco-group-scales-recruitment-accelerating-ai-integration-with-salesforce" rel="noreferrer noopener">revolutionize recruiting and applicant support</a>.
By leveraging Salesforce technologies, including Agentforce and Data Cloud, the Adecco Group is enhancing its global talent supply chain, filling open roles more quickly while delivering superior experiences for job seekers.
Agentforce will support the Adecco Group&#8217;s recruiters by engaging candidates 24/7, reviewing resumes, and providing recruiters with a curated list of opportunities best suited to each job seeker.
This enables recruiters to focus on building stronger client relationships and engage with more job seekers in a personalized and efficient manner.
Caroline Basyn, Chief Digital and IT Officer, Adecco Group, said, &#8220;This collaboration with Salesforce will sharpen the Adecco Group&#8217;s competitive edge so we can continue to outpace our peers with streamlined processes, improved fill rates and time to fill, and even better customer experiences.&#8221;
&#8220;By integrating data, AI, and cloud services across our company, we will have smarter ways of helping our clients and candidates while putting in place the building blocks to shape the world of work.&#8221;
Apart from this, the company disclosed that Vivint, an NRG company and a provider of smart home and security solutions, is using Agentforce to enhance its customer service<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42528052/agentforce-brings-vivint-customer-service-teams-247-support" rel="noreferrer noopener"> teams with 24/7 autonomous agent support</a>.
Vivint chose Agentforce as a key tool for its customer service teams due to its ability to autonomously respond to inputs, make decisions, and handle routine tasks like troubleshooting common device errors.
This allows Vivint&#8217;s human agents to focus on more complex customer issues while ensuring each customer receives timely and relevant support. Agentforce uses existing knowledge bases to troubleshoot common problems.
David Porter, Chief Operating Officer, Vivint said, &#8220;The integration of Agentforce has provided an opportunity for transformational growth in our customer experience, augmenting our platform and service abilities in a way that has made an immediate positive impact.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and FT Vest Dow Jones Internet &amp; Target Income&nbsp;ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDND#BATS">FDND</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are down 1.48% at $351.95 at the last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/42527694/crm-stocks-are-hot-in-2024-should-you-hold-for-2025-gains" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRM Stocks Are Hot in 2024 — Should You Hold for 2025 Gains?</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

AHEXF

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV FT Vest Dow Jones Internet & Target Income ETF

FDND

First Trust Strategic Value Index Fund for Credit Suisse US Value Index

Salesforce Supercharges Adecco & Vivint With AI: Details

ABBV

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: AbbVie, Vertiv, iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-22_07h31_01-scaled.jpg" alt="" style="width:624px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AI Frenzy Shifts</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-ai-frenzy-shift-software-stocks-igv-smh-mc-11222024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart comparing VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>).&nbsp;
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>The Arora Report previously shared with readers that the next stage of AI would benefit software stocks.&nbsp; This is beginning to happen now.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>The chart shows software ETF IGV has moved up since the presidential election.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>The chart shows that IGV has outperformed semiconductor ETF SMH by about 10% since the election.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>The Arora Report algorithms show money is flowing out of semiconductors and into software.</li>
<li>AI allows work processes to be totally reimagined compared to work processes of today.&nbsp; Work processes of today are implemented with legacy software.&nbsp; In The Arora Report analysis, it is an order of magnitude more efficient to use reimagined processes with AI native software.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, there is a battle brewing among software companies for market share when it comes to AI capabilities.&nbsp; Legacy software companies have existing customers and cash to invest in AI.&nbsp; Legacy software companies are bolting on AI offerings.&nbsp; AI native software companies have an edge technologically.&nbsp; However, they do not have an existing market share.&nbsp; Promising AI native software companies are privately held.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>The foregoing tells us that AI will end up decimating some software companies while others will go to new heights.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Investors need to look forward.&nbsp; Right now, most investors who are investing in software companies are looking backwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Looking forward to 2030, the best way to capture AI opportunities in software companies is to combine the following three:
<ul>
<li>Profiting from a base position in a software ETF.&nbsp; The Arora Report's software ETF of choice is IGV.&nbsp; As full disclosure, IGV is in The Arora Report's ZYX Allocation Model Portfolio.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Profiting from individual software company stocks that are evolving and keeping pace with AI developments and retaining and attracting customers.&nbsp; An example is PLTR and as full disclosure, PLTR was recently added to The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Buy Core Model Portfolio.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Profiting from shorting software companies whose business models are being hurt by AI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A judicious combination of the foregoing will produce significantly higher risk adjusted returns, compared to using only one of the three in your investments.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>In the early trade, the momo crowd is aggressively buying junk stocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">China</h3>
Chinese stocks are ultra cheap.&nbsp; The rally in Chinese stock has stalled after Trump's re-election.&nbsp; Trump wants to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese goods.&nbsp; In the face of Trump's threat, China's 10 year note auction saw strong demand.&nbsp; The pricing was close to the record low yield.&nbsp; This data point indicates that investors believe China will manage just fine with Trump's tariffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In The Arora Report analysis, it is important to keep track of such data points. &nbsp;If there are more such data points, it will be time to step into Chinese stocks because they are so cheap.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).&nbsp;
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are negative in Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are negative in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is approaching $100K. SEC Chair Gensler has said that he will resign on Trump's inauguration day.&nbsp; Gensler has been anti-bitcoin.&nbsp; Even though Gensler's resignation was expected, as Trump has said he would replace Gensler, buying came into bitcoin on the news.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.&nbsp; The proprietary protection band from The Arora Report is very popular.&nbsp; The protection band puts all of the data, all of the indicators, all of the news, all of the crosscurrents, all of the models, and all of the analysis in an analytical framework that is easily actionable by investors.&nbsp;
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

Market Summary

General

$BTC

AAPL

AMZN

MSFT

NVDA

TSLA

Opportunities For Investors As AI Frenzy Shifts From Semiconductors To Software

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) shares are trading higher on Tuesday. The company introduced Agentforce, which is a new feature that enables companies to develop AI agents capable of autonomously performing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/b41596727/salesforces-agentforce-is-here-trusted-autonomous-ai-agents-to-scale-your-workforce" rel="noreferrer noopener">tasks across various business functions</a>.
Agentforce uses advanced reasoning to make decisions and execute actions, such as resolving customer inquiries and optimizing marketing campaigns. These agents operate independently, triggered by data changes, business rules, or API signals.
Agentforce includes customizable out-of-the-box agents that are easily deployed using low-code or no-code tools, operating continuously across all channels.
The first available agent, the Agentforce Service Agent, outperforms traditional chatbots by handling a broad range of tasks, from simple inquiries to complex issues, with pre-built topics and actions for customer support.
Users can tailor these agents for different industries, such as retail for order management or financial services for billing and payment support.
The Agentforce layer is seamlessly integrated into the Salesforce Platform, leveraging data, AI, and Salesforce&#8217;s Customer 360 ecosystem, all built on a reliable foundation.
This integration enhances the capabilities of agents, allowing for unlimited scalability, proactive actions across various roles and channels, and contextual awareness of every customer interaction.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41444585/copilots-a-flop-because-microsoft-lacks-the-data-salesforce-ceo-slams-rebranding-of-ai-tool-to-agent" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Copilot&#8217;s A Flop Because Microsoft Lacks The Data,&#8217; Salesforce CEO Slams Rebranding Of AI Tool To &#8216;Agents:&#8217; &#8216;That&#8217;s Panic Mode&#8217;</a>
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and&nbsp;First Trust DJ Internet Index Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDN#NYSE">FDN</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are up 1.87% at $299.26 at the last check Tuesday.
Image via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41538144/marc-benioff-warns-microsofts-copilot-spills-corporate-data-emphasizes-security-gaps-ahead-of-sa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marc Benioff Warns Microsoft&#8217;s Copilot &#8216;Spills Corporate Data,&#8217; Emphasizes Security Gaps Ahead Of Salesforce Agentforce Launch</a></li>
</ul>

Salesforce Launches Agentforce, Redefining AI In Business With Autonomous Solutions

At the Oracle Health Summit, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) disclosed its plan to pursue qualification as a Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) under the Trusted Exchange Framework<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41573122/oracle-health-to-apply-for-tefca-qhin-status" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and Common Agreement (TEFCA)</a>.
Oracle Health&#8217;s network will provide a centralized, secure gateway for healthcare data exchange, streamlining information sharing among hospitals, clinics, and insurers.
Built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), it leverages the company&#8217;s data security expertise to enhance the speed and efficiency of sharing by reducing unnecessary technology layers.
The network will also support diverse data types, including X-rays and MRIs, which are often unavailable in other exchanges.
This initiative is vital for accelerating data exchange and expanding the volume and variety of data in the healthcare ecosystem, enabling advanced AI capabilities to improve care decisions and optimize treatment pathways.
Seema Verma, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Health and Life Sciences, said, &#8220;As we progress through the TEFCA QHIN application process, Oracle will continue to lead the industry in providing solutions that help reduce costs and complexity and improve the utility of information for patients and providers.&#8221;
In a separate release, Oracle introduced a new talent acquisition feature to Oracle Fusion Cloud Recruiting, part of Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM), to help healthcare organizations find the right talent to fill mission-critical<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41571412/oracle-helps-healthcare-organizations-find-the-right-talent-to-fill-mission-critical-roles" rel="noreferrer noopener"> roles and deliver higher-quality care</a>.
Oracle Healthcare Talent Network will enable hiring managers to gain access to more qualified candidates, streamline talent sourcing, and quickly find skilled contingent workers by bringing together leading healthcare talent partners in Oracle Cloud HCM.
Apart from this, Oracle is enhancing its Fusion Cloud Applications Suite with new supply chain capabilities designed to help healthcare organizations optimize inventory <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41571207/oracle-helps-healthcare-organizations-address-critical-inventory-management-challenges" rel="noreferrer noopener">management and improve patient care</a>.
The latest updates to Oracle Fusion Cloud Inventory Management and Procurement will boost productivity, enhance insights, and refine buying decisions by automating inventory management, increasing visibility, and improving procurement data quality.
Investors can gain exposure to Oracle through&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and&nbsp;Pacer Funds Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRFK#NYSE">TRFK</a>).
Price Action: ORCL shares are down 0.53% at $172.60 at the last check Monday.
Photo: Michael Vi/Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41567791/more-than-a-third-of-ai-based-etfs-were-launched-in-2024-focusing-on-nvidia-microsoft-apple-and-meta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">More Than A Third Of AI-Based ETFs Were Launched In 2024, Focusing On Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple And Meta, Among Others: Here&#8217;s How Some Of Them Have Performed This Year So Far</a></li>
</ul>

Oracle Takes The Lead In Healthcare Innovation With New Data And Talent Solutions: Details

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) shares are trading higher on Thursday. The company disclosed that NTT DATA Japan has chosen Oracle Alloy to support Japanese organizations in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41515008/oracle-and-ntt-data-japan-collaborate-to-strengthen-sovereign-cloud-capabilities-in-japan" rel="noreferrer noopener">both the public and private sectors</a>.
This partnership will accelerate cloud adoption while ensuring data sovereignty and compliance.
With Oracle Alloy implemented in its data centers, NTT DATA Japan will provide customers access to over 150 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services, including advanced AI capabilities.
Oracle Alloy enables Oracle partners to become cloud service providers. NTT DATA Japan will enhance its sovereign cloud, OpenCanvas, using Alloy in two data centers, integrating Oracle Cloud Infrastructure capabilities, including infrastructure, platform services, and cloud-native tools.
The company says that additional features are set to launch in the Japan East region by December 2025 and the Japan West region by March 2027.
Scott Twaddle, senior vice president, Product and Industries, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure stated, &#8220;Oracle Alloy enables NTT DATA Japan to utilize the latest cloud and AI technologies to enhance its data center capabilities, helping its customers unlock new growth opportunities.&#8221;
Toshimitsu Misawa, member of the board, corporate executive officer, and president, Oracle Japan, stated, &#8220;NTT DATA Japan and Oracle Japan are united in their commitment to delivering secure, user-friendly cloud services to our customers in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;that incorporate cutting-edge technologies.&#8221;
In April, Oracle disclosed that it plans to invest over $8 billion in the next 10 years to cater to Japan's growing demand for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38309267/oracle-bets-big-on-japans-cloud-boom-with-8b-investment" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud computing and AI infrastructure</a>.&nbsp;
Investors can gain exposure to Oracle through&nbsp;iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and&nbsp;Pacer Funds Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRFK#NYSE">TRFK</a>).
Price Action: ORCL shares are up 0.69% at $174.29 at the last check Thursday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41420779/dan-ives-acknowledges-nvidia-microsoft-as-core-drivers-of-ai-but-sees-palantir-ibm-amd-and-apple" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dan Ives Acknowledges Nvidia, Microsoft As &#8216;Core Drivers Of AI&#8217; But Sees Palantir, IBM, AMD And Apple Joining The Party As Well — Robust Q3 Earnings Expected</a></li>
</ul>

NTT DATA Japan Taps Oracle Alloy To Boost Sovereign Cloud Solutions: Details

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) collaborated with Blue Shield of California to provide physicians and patients with nearly instant prior authorization answers, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41427418/blue-shield-of-california-salesforce-making-prior-authorization-as-simple-as-using-a-credit-card" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminating the typical days-long wait</a>.
The new platform will integrate with Care Connect, Blue Shield&#8217;s care management system, establishing a clinical infrastructure that emphasizes ongoing preventive care and wellness rather than just responding to medical needs.
In the future, prior authorization requests will automatically notify the health plan&#8217;s nurses, social workers, and behavioral health specialists when a member may require new or enhanced health support.
The nonprofit health plan&#8217;s prior authorization platform, developed on Salesforce Health Cloud, will integrate with physician systems to collect essential clinical data from electronic health records and streamline over 20 disparate systems.
This will enable members and physicians to receive prior authorization in nearly real-time.
The testing will start in early 2025, with a limited rollout later that year. Full real-time authorization capabilities are expected by January 2026, followed by additional features.
Jeff Amann, executive vice president and general manager, Salesforce Industries said, &#8220;With Blue Shield of&nbsp;California, we&#8217;re rebuilding the prior authorization process with new innovations that support near real-time decision-making so providers can more quickly, transparently and compliantly deliver the attentive care their patients deserve.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#BATS">IGV</a>) and First Trust DJ Internet Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDN#NYSE">FDN</a>).
Price Action: CRM shares are down 0.51% at $291.44 at the last check Monday.
Image via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41428765/microsoft-salesforce-battle-heats-up-as-ai-agent-technology-takes-center-stage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft, Salesforce Battle Heats Up As AI Agent Technology Takes Center Stage</a></li>
</ul>

Comments

iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF

ニュース

最新ニュース iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:IGV)

ニュース

パートナーシップ

ベンジンガ・グローバル