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Pre-Market Performance
U.S. equity futures were mixed ahead of the open, with large-cap benchmarks holding a slight positive bias while Nasdaq 100 futures lagged. S&P 500 futures rose 5.0 points to 7,737.0, up 0.06%; Dow Jones futures added 23 points to 51,725, up 0.04%; and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 16.5 points to 30,596.8, down 0.05%.
European equities traded higher in early action, extending a firmer global tone. Germany's DAX rose 0.7% to 25,569.01, France's CAC 40 gained 0.3% to 8,056.35, and Britain's FTSE 100 advanced nearly 0.7% to 10,706.17, supported by technology and chip-related sentiment.
Commodity markets remained sensitive to the Iran-war risk premium. Brent crude edged down 0.3% to $102.29 a barrel, while WTI crude fell 0.3% to $89.11 a barrel. Precious metals were mixed: spot gold was quoted near $4,177.63 an ounce, while U.S. gold futures rose to about $4,209.65. The U.S. Dollar Index was little changed near 101.38, with the euro around $1.1352 and the dollar at about ¥156.93.
Hot News
- Global markets rise as AI optimism offsets geopolitical pressure. Global equities were broadly firmer, with gains in Europe and Asia led by AI and chip-related names. Investors continued to balance enthusiasm for technology leadership against elevated oil prices and high Treasury yields.
- White House AI accord keeps regulation focus on voluntary standards. President Trump and executives from major AI and technology companies signed a voluntary AI document emphasizing internal controls and reviews. The development kept AI infrastructure and governance in focus for megacap technology, software, and chip stocks.
- Oil remains elevated as Iran-war risks persist. Brent remained above $100 a barrel despite a modest pullback, with energy markets still pricing geopolitical risk tied to the war with Iran and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Elevated crude prices continue to feed inflation concerns and weigh on rate-sensitive equity valuations.
- Growth stocks stabilize as bond yields ease. U.S. futures showed a steadier tone as yields eased from recent highs, helping megacap growth stocks regain some footing. Nvidia, Alphabet, and Apple were indicated higher in pre-market trading, while parts of the chip group, including AMD and Marvell, remained softer.
U.S. Stock Focus
- Boeing — Navy fighter contract lifts shares. Boeing rose about 3.0% in pre-open trading to around $193.41 after the Pentagon selected the company to develop the U.S. Navy's next-generation carrier-based F/A-XX strike fighter. The contract is valued at more than $20 billion and strengthens Boeing's position in sixth-generation defense aviation programs.
- Tesla — $30 billion credit package supports AI and capex push. Tesla entered into credit agreements totaling $30 billion, including a $20 billion delayed draw-term loan facility, an $8 billion five-year revolver, and a $2 billion 364-day revolver. The company said it had no borrowings outstanding as of September 29 and does not currently plan to draw on the facilities in 2026.
- Fair Isaac — FICO pressure deepens after mortgage-scoring shift. Fair Isaac remained under pressure after federal housing officials moved to put VantageScore on equal footing with FICO Classic in conventional mortgage underwriting. The stock was indicated sharply lower after hours, with quotes showing a decline of more than 26% as investors reassessed FICO's pricing power in mortgage credit scoring.
- Nvidia — AI accord keeps policy and safety debate in focus. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was among the executives tied to the White House AI accord, keeping the company at the center of the AI policy discussion. Shares were indicated higher in pre-market trading as investors weighed voluntary AI oversight against continued demand for AI compute infrastructure.
- Alphabet — Google signs AI framework as shares edge higher. Alphabet was in focus after Google CEO Sundar Pichai was listed among signatories to the White House AI document. The stock traded higher pre-market, helped by broader megacap stabilization and continued investor attention on AI governance and infrastructure spending.
- Meta Platforms — Zuckerberg backs voluntary AI controls. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the new AI accord included principles and commitments around internal controls and issue detection. Meta also remained one of the stronger large-cap technology performers this month, with the market continuing to price enthusiasm around its consumer-facing AI initiatives.
- Palantir — CEO Alex Karp joins White House AI talks. Palantir CEO Alex Karp participated in the White House AI meeting, reinforcing the company's visibility in discussions around national AI policy, safety, and competitiveness. Palantir shares were modestly higher in extended trading, with investors watching whether federal AI priorities translate into additional government and enterprise demand.
- Micron Technology — earnings test for AI memory demand. Micron is scheduled to report fiscal fourth-quarter results after today's close. Analysts are focused on high-bandwidth memory supply, DRAM pricing, margins, and whether AI-driven demand can support stronger guidance after a volatile stretch for memory and semiconductor stocks.
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