Old Republic rises after Raymond James upgrades to 'strong buy'

** Shares of property and title insurance firm Old Republic International ORI.N rise 2.3% to $40.75

** Raymond James upgrades ORI to "strong buy" from "outperform"; raises PT to $47 from $43, an 18% upside to stock's last close

** Brokerage says upgrade reflects potential for an improving forecast for the title insurance segment amid interest rate cuts and ORI's continued success in the specialty insurance build out

** Two of three brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher and one "hold"; with median PT of $46, according to data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, ORI stock up 16.5% YTD