Virtu Financial price target raised to $40 from $35 at Piper Sandler

Piper Sandler raised the firm’s price target on Virtu Financial (VIRT) to $40 from $35 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares as part of an earnings preview note for earnings, trading companies and ebrokers. The U.S. Presidential election and ensuing risk-on trading environment produced record derivative volumes and the strongest quarter for cash equities since the meme stock impacted 1Q21, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm sees a more relaxed regulatory outlook for 2025, as well as lower rates, and a further emboldening of retail traders as key themes.