Daily Market Report – September 30, 2026

Markets

The S&P 500 (SPX) closed 0.25 percent lower at 7,652 points, while the Nasdaq 100 (NDX) rose 0.23 percent to 30,409 points. The Dow Jones (DJI) lost 0.86 percent to 50,906 points. Following the German inflation data, the DAX (DAX) fell 0.79 percent to 25,199 points. In contrast, the Nikkei 225 (NI225) gained 1.94 percent to 66,754 points. Brent crude oil (UKOIL) increased by 2.04 percent to $98.12 per barrel.

Company

Micron Technology (MU) exceeded expectations with revenue and earnings. Due to high demand for memory chips for AI data centers, the company also projected quarterly revenue above estimates. Meta Platforms (META) benefited in September from confidence in the company's AI strategy. Alphabet (GOOGL) released its most powerful Gemini model to date. Internally, however, there are reservations about its performance in certain application areas. Amazon (AMZN) agreed with Constellation Energy (CEG) to supply 690 megawatts of electricity for the expansion of a nuclear power site in Maryland.

Paramount Skydance (PSKY) raised 30 billion dollars with an investment-grade bond to finance the planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. First Quantum Minerals (FM) received a political perspective in Panama for discussions on the resumption of operations at its copper mine. UnitedHealth (UNH) must defend itself after a judicial decision against a restricted shareholder lawsuit. The subject is allegedly misleading statements regarding profit-effective financial transactions.

Eli Lilly (LLY) reported in a mid-stage study an additional weight loss from the combination of a new drug with Zepbound, although with more side effects. The health authority is reviewing MercadoLibre's (MELI) plans for a Brazilian online marketplace for prescription medications.

BMW (BMW) is cutting more than 100 management positions as part of intensified cost reductions and is restructuring its model offerings as well as its business in China. Volkswagen (VOW3) announced a large portion of the collective agreements as part of its savings plans. The open location question and the ongoing takeover debate are putting pressure on Commerzbank (CBK).

Macroeconomics

According to BEA, the PCE price index, which is relevant for the Fed, accelerated less than expected. As a result, expectations for an interest rate hike in October decreased. As reported by Destatis, the German inflation rate rose to 3.3 percent in September. Higher energy prices intensified price pressure. The BoE warned of risks to financial stability if the growing credit-financed AI infrastructure experiences a correction.

---

*Created on 09/30/2026 / 16:21 (ET)*