Adobe Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified software company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Digital Media, Digital Experience, and Publishing and Advertising. The Digital Media segment offers products, services, and solutions that enable individuals, teams, and enterprises to create, publish, and promote content; and Document Cloud, a unified cloud-based document services platform. Its flagship product is Creative Cloud, a subscription service that allows members to access its creative products. This segment serves content creators, students, workers, marketers, educators, enthusiasts, and communicators. The Digital Experience segment provides an integrated platform and set of applications and services that enable brands and businesses to create, manage, execute, measure, monetize, and optimize customer experiences from analytics to commerce. This segment serves marketers, advertisers, agencies, publishers, merchandisers, merchants, web analysts, data scientists, developers, and executives across the C-suite. The Publishing and Advertising segment offers products and services, such as e-learning solutions, technical document publishing, web conferencing, document and forms platform, web application development, and high-end printing, as well as Advertising Cloud offerings. It also provides consulting, technical support, and learning services. The company offers its products and services directly to enterprise customers through its sales force and local field offices, as well as to end users through app stores and through its website at adobe.com. It also distributes products and services through distributors, value-added resellers, systems integrators, software vendors and developers, retailers, and original equipment manufacturers. The company was formerly known as Adobe Systems Incorporated and changed its name to Adobe Inc. in October 2018. Adobe Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

Adobe appears to be a high-margin and very profitable business, but the market is already pricing in a noticeably higher level of quality than is justified by the current multiples. P/E and P/FCF look cheaper than the industry median, but this is partially offset by the fact that P/S and especially P/B remain significantly above the sector, meaning investors are paying a premium for stability and the brand. The trend in P/E and P/FCF over recent periods has generally improved, which supports the valuation, but P/S and P/B remain elevated and limit the potential for re-rating. The company’s profitability is outstanding: ROE, ROA, and ROI are many times above the industry median, while gross, operating, and net margins remain very strong and stable. This points to a high-quality business model, strong pricing power, and capital efficiency, which is the main fundamental positive for the valuation. At the same time, revenue and earnings growth are present, but they do not look explosive, so stronger accelerating growth would be needed to justify premium multiples. The balance sheet is generally acceptable: debt-to-capital is moderate and declining, but current liquidity is weak, and the quick ratio is effectively zero, which adds caution. The presence of significant cash on hand mitigates this risk, but it does not change the fact that short-term liquidity looks weaker than desirable for such an expensive stock. The absence of dividends removes the defensive income component, so the entire investment case rests on earnings growth and business quality. Overall, Adobe’s fundamentals are strong, but not flawless enough to justify aggressively raising the target price in light of the already high current valuation. Therefore, the adjustment should be moderately negative: business quality supports the outlook, but the premium in valuation multiples and weak liquidity limit the upside.

Adobe Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Быки резко укрепили уверенность в своих позициях.

Strong index, significantly up. Bulls sharply strengthened confidence in their positions.

Слабый индекс, значительно упал. Рынок не поддерживает быков.

Weak index, significantly down. The market does not support the bulls.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Отток средств из лонгов на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly down. Outflow of funds from longs at a high level.

Adobe has strong margins and high return on capital, but its premium P/B and P/S, weak liquidity, and lack of dividends limit re-rating potential.

Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Coreweave Inc (Symbol: CRWV), where a total volume of 697,595 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 69.8 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 144.9% of CRWV's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 48.2 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $60 strike call option expiring October 23, 2026, with 31,872 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 3.2 million underlying shares of CRWV. Below is a chart showing CRWV's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $60 strike highlighted in orange:
Adobe Inc (Symbol: ADBE) saw options trading volume of 40,804 contracts, representing approximately 4.1 million underlying shares or approximately 97.8% of ADBE's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 4.2 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $270 strike call option expiring October 23, 2026, with 1,529 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 152,900 underlying shares of ADBE. Below is a chart showing ADBE's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $270 strike highlighted in orange:
And NextNav Inc (Symbol: NN) saw options trading volume of 30,074 contracts, representing approximately 3.0 million underlying shares or approximately 97.3% of NN's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $25 strike call option expiring December 18, 2026, with 22,709 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 2.3 million underlying shares of NN. Below is a chart showing NN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for CRWV options, ADBE options, or NN options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Further CRWV Research:

Noteworthy Thursday Option Activity: CRWV, ADBE, NN

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed up by +0.33% on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up by +1.08%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.05%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) rose +0.28%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) fell -0.14%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Thursday, with the Nasdaq 100 dropping to a 3.5-week low. Stocks recovered from early losses on Thursday to trade mixed as bond yields fell and as investors rotated out of chip stocks into software and pharmaceutical companies.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
The Nasdaq 100 was under pressure on Thursday amid concerns about the sustainability of the artificial intelligence trade. This week’s rout in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks spread globally, with South Korea’s Kospi Index sinking more than 7% and China’s Shanghai Composite falling to a 14-month low. Thursday’s drop in chipmakers followed Anthropic PBC's disclosure of $16.8 billion in Q3 growth to prospective investors, figures that suggest growth has slowed even as it remains robust.
Stocks were also pressured on Thursday on rising US producer price pressures after the Sep PPI final demand rose +6.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +5.4% y/y and the most in 3.75 years. Also, Sep PPI ex-food and energy rose +5.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +4.4% y/y and the most in more than 3.5 years.
Other US economic news on Thursday was mixed, with Sep retail sales and the Oct Empire manufacturing survey rising more than expected and weekly jobless claims near expectations. However, the Oct Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell more than expected.
On the positive side, Thursday’s slump in global equity markets sparked a rally in government bond markets, knocking yields lower. The 10-year German Bund yield fell to a 5-week low on Thursday of 3.35%, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 3-week low of 5.04%.
US weekly initial unemployment claims rose by +1,000 to 199,000, close to expectations of 200,000.
US Sep retail sales rose +0.8% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m, and Sep retail sales ex-autos rose+0.9% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m.
The US Oct Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell by -16.9 to 20.9, weaker than expectations of 28.0.
The US Oct Empire manufacturing survey of general business conditions rose +17.9 to a 4.75-year high of 25.5, stronger than expectations of 12.0.
Stocks and bonds got some support Thursday after San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said she thinks rate hikes are likely needed, just not immediately, and that she would hold interest rates steady at the October 27-28 FOMC meeting.
Stocks have support from the prospect of solid quarterly earnings results that began this week. Goldman Sachs on Monday raised its three-month view on global equity markets to overweight from neutral, saying. “Earnings growth remains supportive for equities and the recent valuation de-rating has improved asymmetry into the third-quarter earnings season.” According to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, Q3 S&P 500 earnings are expected to climb by +25% from a year earlier, up from a July estimate of 22%. As of Thursday’s close, 38 of the S&P 500 companies have reported results, with 82% beating estimates.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) rallied more than +3% on Thursday to a 3-week high. Crude prices are supported by risks to global oil supplies as Yemen's Houthi rebels continue drone and missile attacks across Saudi Arabia, including energy infrastructure. Also, Iranian attacks on shipping attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz have increased in recent weeks, threatening a rebound in energy supplies from the Middle East. Crude prices raced to their high Thursday after weekly EIA crude inventories unexpectedly fell by -8.56 million bbl.
Markets are discounting a 27% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets settled lower on Thursday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.36%. China's Shanghai Composite fell to a 14-month low and closed down -1.59%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average dropped to a 4-week low and closed down sharply by -4.90%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) closed up by +21 ticks on Thursday. The 10-year T-note yield fell -10.0 bp to 5.085%. Dec T-notes rallied to a 3-week high on Thursday, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 3-week low of 5.035%. Lower inflation expectations were supportive of T-notes after the 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 1-week low of 2.320% on Thursday. Also, dovish comments from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly were bullish for T-notes when she suggested she would support holding interest rates steady at the October 27-28 FOMC meeting.
Hawkish US economic news on Thursday was bearish for T-notes after US Sep producer prices and Sep retail sales rose more than expected, and the Oct Empire manufacturing survey's general business conditions rose to a 4.75-year high.
European government bond yields moved lower on Thursday. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 5-week low of 3.353% and finished down -5.3 bp to 3.413%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell to a 1.5-week low of 5.301% and finished down -5.0 bp to 5.374%.
Eurozone Aug industrial production fell -0.5% m/m, weaker than expectations of no change and the biggest decline in 7 months.
ECB Governing Council member Martins Kazaks said the ECB can afford to take its time adjusting interest rates, despite persistent energy price rises that are set to keep consumer price growth elevated, as the recent surge in government bond yields may start to weigh on economic activity.
UK Aug manufacturing production rose +1.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of no change and the largest increase in 9 months.
Markets are discounting a 9% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks rallied on Thursday as investors rotate out of chip stocks into software. Intuit (INTU) and ServiceNow (NOW) closed up more than +6%, and Atlassian (TEAM) and Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +5%. Also, Workday (WDAY), Salesforce (CRM), and Adobe Systems (ADBE) closed up more than +4%, Oracle (ORCL) closed up more than +3%, and Thomson Reuters (TRI) closed up more than +2%.
Pharmaceutical stocks moved higher on Thursday amid stock rotation out of AI stocks. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) closed up more than +4%, and Eli Lilly (LLY) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) closed up more than +3%. Also, Gilead Sciences (GILD), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), and Jazz Pharma Plc (JAZZ) closed up more than +2%. and Amgen (AMGN) and Biogen (BIIB) closed up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks rallied on Thursday after Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) rebounded from a 3.5-week low and moved higher. Circle Internet Group (CRCL) closed up more than +9%, and Coinbase Global (COIN) closed up more than +6%. Also, Strategy (MSTR) closed up more than +5%, and Bullish (BLSH) and BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) closed up more than +4%. In addition, Riot Platforms (RIOT) and Robinhood Markets (HOOD) closed up more than +2%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed up more than +1%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks fell on Thursday on demand concerns after Anthropic disclosed Q3 revenue growth that likely slowed from the previous quarter. Applied Materials (APLD), Lam Research (LRCX), and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -3%, and Intel (INTC), KLA Corp (KLAC) and Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -2%. In addition, Nvidia (NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Marvell Technology (MRVL), and SanDisk (SNDK) closed down more than -1%.
Penske Automotive Group (PAG) closed up more than +8% after entering a deal to be taken private for $212 a share in cash by Penske Corporation and Mitsui.
International Paper (IP) closed up more than +6% after the Financial Times reported that private equity firms Lone Star and Atlas Holdings are exploring bids to acquire the company.
Kimberly-Clark (KMB) closed up more than +4% after reporting preliminary Q3 net sales of $4.13 billion, above the consensus of $4.10 billion.
FMC Corp (FMC) closed down more than -30% after cutting its Q3 adjusted Ebitda forecast to a loss of -$510 million to -$565 million, after previously expecting a profit of$120 million to $140 million.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) closed down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500, adding to Wednesday’s -7 decline, and Dell Technologies (DELL) closed down more than -6%, adding to Wednesday’s 10% plunge after Barclays downgraded the stocks to equal weight from overweight.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) closed down more than -6% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after announcing that it will delay the launch of its inaugural Neutron medium-lift rocket until sometime in 2027.
Earnings Reports (10/16/2026)
Citizens Financial Group Inc (CFG), M&T Bank Corp (MTB), Regions Financial Corp (RF), Travelers Cos Inc/The (TRV), Truist Financial Corp (TFC).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Settle Mixed as Broader Market Recovers from Chip Stock Rout

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is down by -0.57% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.30%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -1.71%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) are down -0.58%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) are down -1.54%.
Stock indexes are mostly lower today, with the S&P 500 falling to a 2-week low and the Nasdaq 100 dropping to a 3.5-week low. The broader market is under pressure today as the rout in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks spreads globally, with South Korea’s Kospi Index sinking more than -7% and China’s Shanghai Composite falling to a 14-month low. Today’s drop in chipmakers followed Anthropic PBC's disclosure of $16.8 billion in Q3 growth to prospective investors, figures that suggest growth has slowed even as it remains robust.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks extended their losses today on rising US producer price pressures after the Sep PPI final demand rose +6.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +5.4% y/y and the most in 3.75 years. Also, Sep PPI ex-food and energy rose +5.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +4.4% y/y and the most in more than 3.5 years.
Other US economic news today was mixed, with Sep retail sales and the Oct Empire manufacturing survey rising more than expected and weekly jobless claims near expectations. However, the Oct Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell more than expected.
On the positive side, the slump in global equity markets has sparked a rally in government bond markets, knocking yields lower. The 10-year German Bund yield fell to a 5-week low today of 3.35%, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 3-week low of 5.04%. Also, investors rotating out of chip stocks into software companies and defensive pharmaceuticals stocks are lifting the Dow Jones Industrials.
US weekly initial unemployment claims rose by +1,000 to 199,000, close to expectations of 200,000.
US Sep retail sales rose +0.8% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m, and Sep retail sales ex-autos rose+0.9% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m.
The US Oct Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell by -16.9 to 20.9, weaker than expectations of 28.0.
The US Oct Empire manufacturing survey of general business conditions rose +17.9 to a 4.75-year high of 25.5, stronger than expectations of 12.0.
Stocks and bonds got some support today after San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said she thinks rate hikes are likely needed, just not immediately, and that she would hold interest rates steady at the October 27-28 FOMC meeting.
Stocks have support from the prospect of solid quarterly earnings results starting this week. Goldman Sachs on Monday raised its three-month view on global equity markets to overweight from neutral, saying. “Earnings growth remains supportive for equities and the recent valuation de-rating has improved asymmetry into the third-quarter earnings season.” According to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, Q3 S&P 500 earnings are expected to climb by +25% from a year earlier, up from a July estimate of 22%. As of today, 32 of the S&P 500 companies have reported results, with 78% beating estimates.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) are up +0.20% today. Crude prices are supported by risks to global oil supplies as Yemen's Houthi rebels continue drone and missile attacks across Saudi Arabia, including energy infrastructure. Also, Iranian attacks on shipping attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz have increased in recent weeks, threatening a rebound in energy supplies from the Middle East. However, today’s selloff in global equity markets is curbing demand for risk assets, including crude.
Markets are discounting a 29% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are lower today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.62%. China's Shanghai Composite fell to a 14-month low and closed down -1.59%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average dropped to a 4-week low and closed down sharply by -4.90%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) are up by +23 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is down -12.5 bp to 5.060%. Dec T-notes rallied to a 3-week high today, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 3-week low of 5.041%. Today’s selloff in global equity markets has boosted safe-haven demand for T-notes. Also, dovish comments from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly were bullish for T-notes when she suggested she would support holding interest rates steady at the October 27-28 FOMC meeting.
Hawkish US economic news is limiting gains in T-notes after US Sep producer prices and Sep retail sales rose more than expected, and the Oct Empire manufacturing survey's general business conditions rose to a 4.75-year high.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 5-week low of 3.353% and is down -10.7 bp to 3.359%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell to a 1.5-week low of 5.301% and is down -11.3 bp to 5.312%.
Eurozone Aug industrial production fell -0.5% m/m, weaker than expectations of no change and the biggest decline in 7 months.
ECB Governing Council member Martins Kazaks said the ECB can afford to take its time adjusting interest rates, despite persistent energy price rises that are set to keep consumer price growth elevated, as the recent surge in government bond yields may start to weigh on economic activity.
UK Aug manufacturing production rose +1.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of no change and the largest increase in 9 months.
Markets are discounting an 11% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are falling today on demand concerns after Anthropic disclosed Q3 revenue growth that likely slowed from the previous quarter. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is down more than -3% at a 1-month low. SanDisk (SNDK) and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) are down more than -7%, and Intel (INTC), Lam Research (LRCX), and Western Digital (WDC) are down more than -6%. Also, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Applied Materials (APLD), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are down more than -5%, and KLA Corp (KLAC) and Micron Technology (MU) are down more than -4%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are falling today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) down more than -2% at a 3.5-week low. Iren Ltd (IREN) is down more than -10%, and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) and Riot Platforms (RIOT) are down more than -8%. Also, MARA Holdings (MARA) and BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) are down more than -6%, and Robinhood Markets (HOOD) and Strategy (MSTR) are down more than -5%. In addition, Coinbase Global (COIN) is down more than -3%, and Circle Internet Group (CRCL) and Bullish (BLSH) are down more than -2%.
Cloud infrastructure stocks are under pressure today on debt concerns after credit-default swaps have priced in a more than 50% chance that CoreWeave could default on its debt within the next five years. Nebius Group NV (NBIS) and Lumentum Holdings (LITE) are down more than -8%, and CoreWeave (CRWV) is down more than -6%. Also, Arista Networks (ANET) and Applied Digital (APLD) are down more than -5%.
Software stocks are climbing today as investors rotate out of chip stocks into software. Intuit (INTU) is up more than +5% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Autodesk (ADSK) is up more than +4%. Also, Workday (WDAY) and Adobe Systems (ADBE) are up more than +3%, and Salesforce (CRM) and Thomson Reuters (TRI) are up more than +2%. In addition, IBM (IBM) and ServiceNow (NOW) are up more than +1%.
Defensive pharmaceutical stocks are climbing today amid the broader market slump. Amgen (AMGN), Eli Lilly (LLY), Gilead Sciences (GILD), and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) are up more than +3%, and Biogen (BIIB), Merck & Co (MRK), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY), and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) are up more than +2%. Also, Pfizer (PFE) is up more than +1%.
FMC Corp (FMC) is down more than -34% after cutting its Q3 adjusted Ebitda forecast to a loss of -$510 million to -$565 million, after previously expecting a profit of$120 million to $140 million.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) is down more than -13% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after announcing that it will delay the launch of its inaugural Neutron medium-lift rocket until sometime in 2027.
Penske Automotive Group (PAG) is up more than +8% after entering a deal to be taken private for $212 a share in cash by Penske Corporation and Mitsui.
International Paper (IP) is up more than +5% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after the Financial Times reported private equity firms Lone Star and Atlas Holdings are exploring bids to acquire the company.
Walmart (WMT) is up more than +3% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $136.
Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is up more than +3% after reporting preliminary Q3 net sales of $4.13 billion, above the consensus of $4.10 billion.
Commercial Metals (CMC) is up more than +2% after reporting Q4 net sales of $2.66 billion, better than the consensus of $2.54 billion.
Earnings Reports (10/15/2026)
Alcoa Corp (AA), Bank of New York Mellon Corp/The (BNY), Charles Schwab Corp/The (SCHW), First Horizon Corp (FHN), Interactive Brokers Group Inc (IBKR), JB Hunt Transport Services Inc (JBHT), Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc (MRSH), PNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC), Prologis Inc (PLD), US Bancorp (USB).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart

Stocks Pressured as Chipmaker Selloff Deepens

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is down by -0.07% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.42%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.69%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) are down -0.05%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) are down -0.65%.
Stock indexes are mixed today, with the Dow Jones Industrials posting a 2.5-week high. The broader market is under pressure from higher crude oil prices, with WTI crude up more than +2% today on concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East after repeated Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia from neighboring Yemen. Weakness in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks is also weighing on the overall market today.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks have support from the prospect of solid quarterly earnings results that will begin this week. Goldman Sachs today raised its three-month view on global equity markets to overweight from neutral, saying. “Earnings growth remains supportive for equities and the recent valuation de-rating has improved asymmetry into the third-quarter earnings season.” Also, strength in software stocks and energy producers is supportive of the overall market.
Market activity may be below normal, as the cash Treasury market is closed today for the Columbus Day bank holiday.
According to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, Q3 S&P 500 profits are expected to climb by +25% from a year earlier, up from a July estimate of 22%. Q3 earnings season begins this week when US money center banks report.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) are up more than +2% today after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia over the weekend, raising the risk of escalation that could draw the US into the conflict. Also, there's been a recent escalation of drone and missile attacks against vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz, limiting energy exports from the region. Limiting gains in crude are the prospects of Russia releasing diesel supplies into theglobal marketafter the US Treasury issued a waiver for previously sanctioned Russian fuel. Last Friday, Russia said it will partially lift its ban on diesel exports, allowing 500,000 MT of diesel fuel to reach international markets following an agreement between Russian President Putin and US President Trump.
Markets are discounting a 19% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.44%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.43%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average did not trade, as Japanese markets were closed today for the Health Sports Day holiday.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) are down by -2.5 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is not trading today, as the cash Treasury market is closed for the Columbus Day bank holiday. Dec T-notes are under pressure today as higher crude oil prices raise inflation expectations.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield is down -0.5 bp to 3.476%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +0.1 bp to 5.444%.
ECB Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras said the ECB may raise interest rates again to curb inflation but without rushing any action, suggesting an ECB rate hike this month is less likely than one in December.
Markets are discounting a 13% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are sliding today, weighing on the overall market. Lumentum Holdings (LITE) is down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 50 and Nasdaq 100, and Sandisk (SNDK) is down more than -6%. Also, Micron Technology (MU) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are down more than -4%, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), ARM Holdings (ARM), Intel (INTC), and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) are down more than 3-%. In addition, Lam Research (LRCX), KLA Corp (KLAC), Microchip Technology (MCHP), and Western Digital (WDC) are down more than -2%, and Applied Materials (AMAT), Broadcom (AVGO), and Qualcomm (QCOM) are down more than -1%.
Software stocks are climbing today, led by a +2% jump in Salesforce (CRM) to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after Bank of America Global Research double-upgraded the stock to buy from underperform with a price target of $285. Also, Workday (WDAY) is up more than +2%, and ServiceNow (NOW), Intuit (INTU), and Microsoft (MSFT) are up more than +1%.
Energy producers and service providers are moving higher today, with WTI crude oil up more than +2%. Diamondback Energy (FANG) is up more than +2%, and APA Corp (APA), Chevron (CVX), ConocoPhillips (COP), Devon Energy (DVN), ExxonMobil Holdings (XOM), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) are up more than +1%.
IonQ (IONQ) is down more than -8% after agreeing to buy Elisity Inc. for as much as $1.3 billion in an all-stock transaction.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) is down more than -4% after Starbucks said it has no plans to acquire the company.
Enact Holdings (ACT) is down more than -1% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to underweight from neutral with a price target of $44.
Adobe (ADBE) is down more than -1% after Wells Fargo Securities double-downgraded the stock to underweight from overweight with a price target of $225.
First Tracks Biotherapeutics (TRAX) is up more than +6% after reporting topline results from an early-stage trial of its experimental therapy for celiac disease.
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is up more than +4% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $93.
Biogen (BIIB) is up more than +3% after JPMorgan Chase upgraded the stock to overweight from neutral, with a price target of $300.
Earnings Reports (10/12/2026)
Liberty Live Holdings Inc (LLYVA) and SR Bancorp Inc (SRBK).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Pressured by Rising Crude Prices and Chipmaker Weakness

Key Points
A $10,000 investment in Adobe back in October 2016 is worth around $22,300 today, against about $42,100 in an S&P 500 index fund.
Adobe's adjusted earnings per share are on track to grow about eightfold in the same span.
The stock now trades at about 10 times the adjusted earnings management targets for fiscal 2026.
A decade ago, shares of Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) closed at about $109. Today, they trade near $243 as I write. That's a rise of about 123%, enough to turn a $10,000 investment into about $22,300.
It seems OK until you compare it to the market. In the same period, $10,000 in an S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) index fund (with dividends reinvested) rose to around $42,100, a gain of about 321%.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
And because Adobe doesn't pay a dividend, its stock price is the full return.
In other words, the creative software company has returned less than half as much as the broad market over the last decade. But its business kept growing all along. I think the gap boils down to how much investors were paying for Adobe's profits -- not the profits themselves.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
The lag is all from the past five years
In the first half of the decade, Adobe was one of the market's big winners. The stock closed at a record $688.37 in November 2021, more than six times its October 2016 price.
An S&P 500 index fund climbed around 138% over the same stretch.
Since then, the two have switched places. The index fund is up about 77% from that November 2021 close, but Adobe stock is about 65% off its peak.
Shares have dropped about 31% in 2026 alone, from roughly $350 when last year ended.
Much of this year's slide came as investors worried that artificial intelligence (AI) might disrupt software companies. AI agents could take over some of the work businesses pay for one seat at a time, and Adobe sells many of its subscriptions that way. By mid-January, Adobe was already among the S&P 500's worst performers of 2026 as software stocks sold off on these fears.
Earnings kept rising
Showing how much Adobe grew under the surface, the company made $3.01 a share on a non-GAAP (adjusted) basis in fiscal 2016. Five years later, that number was $12.48, and revenue had almost tripled, from $5.85 billion to $15.79 billion. For this fiscal year, management's target calls for adjusted earnings per share between $24.45 and $24.50, on around $26.6 billion in revenue. That's about eight times the fiscal 2016 level.
True, growth has slowed. Adjusted earnings per share compounded at around 33% a year from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2021, versus about 14% a year since then if Adobe reaches this year's target.
Part of the fall in the stock's valuation was arguably deserved. But the slowdown hasn't become a decline. Revenue has grown 12% to 13% year over year in all three quarters Adobe has reported this fiscal year.
And in the fiscal third quarter of 2026 (the period ended Aug. 28, 2026), Adobe's adjusted earnings per share rose 15% over the year-ago quarter, to $6.13. Annualized recurring revenue from its AI-first products grew more than 150%.
The valuation is where the decade went. In October 2016, investors paid around 36 times Adobe's fiscal 2016 adjusted earnings per share. At the November 2021 high, the stock cost about 55 times its fiscal 2021 adjusted earnings.
Today's price is around 10 times this year's adjusted earnings target.
In other words, earnings per share are on track to grow about eightfold, while the price of each dollar of those earnings has fallen by about 73%. Together, these two numbers explain the stock's 123% gain.
What does 10 times earnings ask of Adobe?
I'd say a valuation of around 10 times adjusted earnings asks very little of Adobe. It's the sort of price the market tends to put on a business it expects to stall or shrink.
Adobe's earnings per share are still growing at a double-digit rate. If its valuation multiple just stays around 10 times adjusted earnings, shares may climb about as fast as earnings per share from here.
Sure, the risk is that AI one day does to Adobe's growth what the market fears. Management's own target already calls for total annualized recurring revenue to climb 10.2% this year, a little slower than revenue. If that rate keeps falling toward the low single digits, today's price-to-earnings ratio might turn out to be fair.
In the end, I think the past decade says more about the price investors paid in 2021 than about the business. Back then, Adobe stock cost over 50 times adjusted earnings and needed almost everything to go right. Today it needs much less.
I'd consider buying Adobe stock today. But with AI's long-term impact on Adobe's customers still unknown, I'd start with a small position.
Should you buy stock in Adobe right now?
Before you buy stock in Adobe, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Adobe wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $385,972!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,416,196!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 951% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 214% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 10, 2026.
Daniel Sparks and his clients do not have positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Adobe. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Adobe's Earnings Are on Track to Grow About Eightfold in a Decade. Why Has Its Stock Lagged the Market So Badly?

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed down by -0.25% on Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down by -0.86%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +0.23%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) fell -0.25%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) rose +0.24%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial falling to a 3.5-month low. Stocks erased early gains as the broader market turned lower, as rising crude oil prices boosted inflation expectations and pushed bond yields higher. WTI crude rose more than +1% on Wednesday, and the 10-year T-note yield climbed to a 19-year high of 5.30%.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks initially rose on Wednesday as inflation concerns eased after the Q2 core PCE price index was revised lower and the Aug core PCE price index rose less than expected. The better-than-expected inflation news reduced the chance of a Fed rate hike next month to 37% from 52% on Tuesday. Also, signs of growth in the US economy supported stocks after Q2 GDP was revised higher, the Sep ADP employment change rose more than expected, and Aug personal spending rose the most in 5 months. Stocks added to their gains after the Sep MNI Chicago PMI expanded at the strongest pace in 4 months.
Stocks are awaiting Micron Technology's earnings after Wednesday’s close to gauge demand for AI spending.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -6.0% in the week ended September 25, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -4.3% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -8.7%. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose +18 bp to a 2.75-year high of 7.30% from 7.12% the prior week.
The US Sep ADP employment change rose by +90,000, stronger than expectations of +75,000.
US Aug personal spending rose by +0.9% m/m, right on expectations and the largest increase in five months. Aug personal income rose +0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.5% m/m.
The US Aug core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, rose +0.2% m/m and +3.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +0.3% m/m and +3.3% y/y.
US Q2 GDP was revised upward to +2.2% (q/q annualized), stronger than expectations of no change at +1.5%, as Q2 personal consumption was revised upward to +3.8% from the previously reported +3.4%. The Q2 core PCE price index was revised downward to +3.3% from the previously reported +3.6%.
The US Sep MNI Chicago PMI rose +11.7 to 58.8, stronger than expectations of 51.0 and the fastest pace of expansion in four months.
Positive economic news from China supported global growth prospects and boosted stocks. The China Sep manufacturing PMI rose +0.3 to 50.1, right on expectations. The China Sep non-manufacturing PMI rose +1.2 to 50.2, stronger than expectations of 49.2.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) rose more than +1% on Wednesday after Russia announced that it was extending a ban on most diesel exports through October, further tightening theglobal market Russia began its diesel export ban in July after Ukrainian drone and missile attacks damaged Russian refineries. Gains in crude are limited after JPMorgan Chase said Middle East crude exports have rebounded to 17.5 million bpd, or about 98% of pre-war levels, although flows of gasoline, diesel and distillates were at 3 million bpd, or 58% of pre-war levels.
Markets are discounting a 37% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.81%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.31%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +1.94%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) closed down -7 ticks on Wednesday. The 10-year T-note yield rose +5.7 bp to 5.293%. Dec T-notes tumbled to a 19-year nearest-futures low on Wednesday, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a 19-year high of 5.304%. T-notes gave up an early advance on Wednesday and turned lower on stronger-than-expected US economic news, including Q2 GDP, the Sep ADP employment change, and the Sep MNI Chicago PMI. Also, Wednesday’s +1% increase in WTI crude oil raised inflation expectations and weighed on T-notes. The 10-year break-even inflation rate rose to a 2-week high of 2.375% on Wednesday.
T-notes initially moved higher on Wednesday as inflation concerns eased after the Q2 core PCE price index was revised lower and the Aug core PCE price index rose less than expected. The weaker-than-expected inflation readings reduced the chance of a Fed rate hike next month to 37% from 52%. T-notes also have support from some month- and quarter-end buying by bond fund managers on Wednesday as they extend duration in their portfolios.
European government bond yields were mixed on Wednesday. The 10-year German bund yield fell -4.0 bp to 3.586%. The 10-year UK gilt yield matched Monday’s 19-year high of 5.437% on Wednesday and finished up +1.4 bp at 5.424%.
The German Sep unemployment change rose +12,000, showing a weaker labor market than expectations of 500.
German Aug retail sales rose +1.3% m/m, the largest increase in 14 months but slightly weaker than expectations of +1.5% m/m.
German Sep CPI (EU harmonized) rose +0.6% m/m and +3.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m and +3.2% y/y, with the +3.3% y/y gain the largest year-on-year increase in 2.75 years.
UK Q2 GDP was revised upward to +0.5% q/q and +1.4% y/y from the previously reported +0.4% q/q and +1.2% y/y.
Markets are discounting a 26% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks were stronger on Wednesday, a positive factor for the broader market. ServiceNow (NOW) closed up more than +3%, and Adobe Systems (ADBE), Intuit (INTU), and Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +2%. Also, Salesforce (CRM) closed up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials, and Datadog (DDOG), Atlassian Corp (TEAM), Microsoft (MSFT), and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) closed up more than +1%.
Cybersecurity stocks rose on Wednesday. Gen Digital (GEN) closed up more than +5% to lead gainers in the S&P 500, and Okta (OKTA), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), and SentinelOne (S) closed up more than +2%. Also, Fortinet (FTNT) closed up more than +1%, Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) closed up +0.81%, and Zscaler (ZS) closed up +0.71%.
Fair Isaac (FICO) closed down -4%, adding to Tuesday’s -26% plunge and leading credit reporting agencies lower on negative carryover from Tuesday when FHA director Pulte announced a move that makes it easier for lenders to adopt VantageScore, a move that will increase competition that could pressure credit companies’ market share and pricing power. TransUnion (TRU) also closed down more than -4% and Equifax (EFX) closed down more than -2%.
Moderna (MRNA) closed down more than -5% after Citigroup downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $80.
Northrup Grumman (NOC) closed down more than -4% after losing out to Boeing on the $20 billion contract to build the Navy’s next-generation fighter jet.
Walmart (WMT) closed down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after Target announced additional price cuts, which may lead to lower profits at Walmart if it is forced to follow suit.
Synopsys (SNPS) closed up more than +4% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after signing a deal with Amazon.com valued at over $1 billion over multiple years.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) closed up more than +3% after raising its fiscal 2027 networking segment revenue growth outlook.
FactSet Research Systems (FDS) closed up more than +3% after forecasting 2027 adjusted operating margin of 34.8% to 35.3%, above the consensus of 34.4%.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) closed up more than +2% after the US Navy awarded the company a $5.1 billion contract to complete the USS Harry S. Truman refueling and complex overhaul.
Earnings Reports (10/1/2026)
Accenture PLC (ACN), Acuity Inc (AYI), American Resources Corp (AREC), McCormick & Co Inc/MD (MKC), NIKE Inc (NKE).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Pressured by Rising Bond Yields

Key Points
Once AI can churn out endless songs and videos, the companies that help people choose what to watch and listen to will gain the most.
Two companies stand out as the clearest winners of the surge of AI-generated content.
In creative tools, the software people already use may matter more than whoever builds the best AI model.
Famous characters and classic song catalogs land on the diluted side, because AI is wearing down the walls that made them so valuable.
How We Got Here
On Dec. 11, 2025, Disney (NYSE:DIS) agreed to license more than 200 characters to Sora, OpenAI's AI video app, for three years and to invest $1 billion in OpenAI. On the evening of March 23, 2026, roughly 30 minutes after the two teams finished a working meeting, OpenAI told Disney it was shutting Sora down entirely.
It announced the shutdown publicly the next day. Disney walked away, and no money ever changed hands. We keep coming back to that half-hour because it shows how quickly a big artificial intelligence (AI) partnership can vanish.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
AI is already cutting production costs. Big-budget productions often spend 20% to 40% of their budgets on visual effects and post-production, and that's the first cost AI cuts. If you've built a career in visual effects, that line item is your paycheck. Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) has already used generative AI to make 17 minutes of its docuseries The American Experiment "twice as fast and at half the cost."
In music, the flood has already arrived. At the June peak, more than half of the daily uploads to music-streaming service Deezer, roughly 90,000 tracks a day, were AI-generated. If you're a musician, every new song you release has to compete with that. Listeners, at least, mostly aren't choosing the AI tracks. Fully AI-generated music accounts for just 1% to 3% of streams on Deezer, and Deezer says most of that listening is fraud.
The Assets AI Can't Reproduce
So, who comes out ahead of the AI revolution in the entertainment sector? We'd ask one question of any media company: What does it own or do that becomes more valuable when AI makes content cheap to generate?
A company in the appreciating category owns something that AI abundance makes scarcer relative to demand. That could be a curation layer, which helps people with limited time choose from an endless supply. It could be an ad graph, the user data behind ad targeting, which improves with every bit it collects. Or it could be a workflow already installed on a million desks.
A company in the diluting category is counting on the flood staying contained. It wins only if its brand or pricing power holds up against rivals operating at a fraction of the cost.
Scorecard: Which Assets Appreciate, Which Get Diluted
These are some of the public companies with the most riding on that question.
Appreciating
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) collects its own viewing data on more than 325 million paid memberships. It has disrupted itself three times. In March 2026, it paid $587 million for InterPositive, Ben Affleck's AI filmmaking start-up. A 33% operating margin in the second quarter of 2026 gives Netflix the cash to keep buying its way to the front of every new wave.
Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) has 777 million monthly active users and close to two decades of data on individual tracks. Every track in the daily AI flood makes Spotify's knack for steering listeners toward songs they'll finish a little more valuable. If you've ever skipped song after song hunting for one you actually like, you already know why.
Appreciating With Caveats
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) owns YouTube, which is forecast by research firm eMarketer to pull in roughly $9 billion of U.S. connected-TV (streaming TV) ad revenue in 2026. It also owns Veo and Gemini's image model, two of the leading AI video and image generators.
That means Alphabet collects on both sides: from the platform where AI content lands and from the tools people use to make it. In September, a federal judge declined to break up Google's adtech business, ordering behavioral fixes and a six-year monitor instead. Google has said it will appeal the underlying ruling.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) runs the largest AI-optimized social ad graph in the world. In September 2025, it launched Vibes, a feed of AI-generated short videos, on the belief that synthetic video will go mainstream. That's far from certain. If advertisers ever start paying less for AI-made inventory than for human-made content, Meta would feel it most because it distributes more of that content than anyone else.
Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) owns Creative Cloud, its suite of design apps that includes Photoshop, and the huge base of customers already working in it. That base matters more now that the top AI image and video generators are roughly interchangeable.
Adobe's annual recurring revenue from AI-first products passed $650 million last quarter, up more than 150% year over year. A new CEO, Anil Chakravarthy, takes over on Dec. 1. The thesis depends on Adobe pressing that distribution advantage faster than the models commoditize.
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) owns Mickey Mouse, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, and no AI company can legally copy most of them. Keeping it that way now takes lawyers. Disney sued image generator Midjourney in June 2025, and shortly before signing its OpenAI deal, it sent Google a cease-and-desist letter accusing the tech giant of widespread copyright infringement. That's what counting on the flood staying contained looks like.
Meanwhile, AI is shrinking the edge Disney's budgets used to buy. Few rivals could afford the visual effects that make a Marvel movie look like a Marvel movie, and that's the cost AI cuts first. Disney's first big AI licensing deal died with Sora, which was reportedly burning around $1 million a day, and AI companies losing money that fast make shaky customers. Disney can still win, but only the way the diluting side wins, with a brand strong enough to hold up against rivals operating at a sliver of its cost.
The best reason to own Disney today is its parks, cruise ships, and merchandise business, which together earned more than half of its operating profit last quarter. That's a separate bet from the one this article is about.
Universal Music Group (OTC:UMGNF), Warner Music Group (NASDAQ:WMG), and Sony Music, part of Sony Group (NYSE:SONY), own the catalogs behind most of the songs people stream. In 2024, all three sued AI song generators Suno and Udio, arguing that machine-made tracks would "substantially dilute the royalty pools" paid to artists.
By late 2025, Universal had settled with Udio, and Warner had settled with both. Each settlement came with a licensing deal. So, Suno, one of the companies the labels accused of diluting their business, now trains on licensed label music.
The licensing money is still too small to move the results. Take out Downtown, an artist-services company Universal bought in February 2026, and Universal's second-quarter revenue growth drops from 13% to about 6% in constant currency. The royalty hit from AI is small, too, for now. One big reason is that curators keep AI songs out of listeners' way.
Deezer strips them from its recommendations and playlists, and in a survey Deezer commissioned, 97% of people couldn't tell AI music from human-made music in a blind test. That leaves the labels' protection in the hands of the streaming services. In music, the power is shifting to whoever decides what plays next, and for hundreds of millions of listeners, that's Spotify.
The Bottom Line
Both Netflix and Spotify, the clearest appreciating companies on our list, own curation assets that gain value with every new wave of AI content. Netflix has shown it can reinvent itself three times over. Spotify built the taste engine that other companies' AI floods now need. Disney and the major labels land on the diluted side. Their characters and catalogs still matter, but AI keeps lowering the walls around them, and the licensing money meant to make up the difference is too small or too shaky to count on.
With the cost of generating content heading toward zero, the companies worth owning are the ones sitting on something AI can't reproduce.
Should you buy stock in Walt Disney right now?
Before you buy stock in Walt Disney, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Walt Disney wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,123!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,396,103!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 30, 2026.
This article was created using Large Language Models (LLMs) based on The Motley Fool's insights and investing approach. It has been reviewed by our AI quality control systems. Since LLMs cannot (currently) own stocks, it has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Adobe, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Netflix, Spotify Technology, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Founded in 1993 in Alexandria, VA., by brothers David and Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial-services company dedicated to building the world's greatest investment community. Reaching millions of people each month through its website, books, newspaper column, radio show, television appearances, and subscription newsletter services, The Motley Fool champions shareholder values and advocates tirelessly for the individual investor. The company's name was taken from Shakespeare, whose wise fools both instructed and amused, and could speak the truth to the king -- without getting their heads lopped off.

As AI Turns Media on Its Head, the Curators Win

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is up by +0.63% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.75%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) are up +0.55%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) are up +0.72%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today as inflation concerns eased after the Q2 core PCE price index was revised lower and the Aug core PCE price index rose less than expected. The better-than-expected inflation news reduced the chance of a Fed rate hike next month to 35% from 52% on Tuesday. Also, signs of growth in the US economy supported stocks after Q2 GDP was revised higher, the Sep ADP employment change rose more than expected, and Aug personal spending rose the most in 5 months. Stocks added to their gains after the Sep MNI Chicago PMI expanded at the strongest pace in 4 months.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks are awaiting Micron Technology's earnings after the close today to gauge demand for AI spending.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -6.0% in the week ended September 25, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -4.3% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -8.7%. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose +18 bp to a 2.75-year high of 7.30% from 7.12% the prior week.
The US Sep ADP employment change rose by +90,000, stronger than expectations of +75,000.
US Aug personal spending rose by +0.9% m/m, right on expectations and the largest increase in five months. Aug personal income rose +0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.5% m/m.
The US Aug core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, rose +0.2% m/m and +3.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +0.3% m/m and +3.3% y/y.
US Q2 GDP was revised upward to +2.2% (q/q annualized), stronger than expectations of no change at +1.5%, as Q2 personal consumption was revised upward to +3.8% from the previously reported +3.4%. The Q2 core PCE price index was revised downward to +3.3% from the previously reported +3.6%.
The US Sep MNI Chicago PMI rose +11.7 to 58.8, stronger than expectations of 51.0 and the fastest pace of expansion in four months.
Positive economic news from China supported global growth prospects and boosted stocks. The China Sep manufacturing PMI rose +0.3 to 50.1, right on expectations. The China Sep non-manufacturing PMI rose +1.2 to 50.2, stronger than expectations of 49.2.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) are up more than +2% today after Russia announced that it was extending a ban on most diesel exports through October, further tightening theglobal market Russia began its diesel export ban in July after Ukrainian drone and missile attacks damaged Russian refineries. Gains in crude are limited after JPMorgan Chase said Middle East crude exports have rebounded to 17.5 million bpd, or about 98% of pre-war levels, although flows of gasoline, diesel and distillates were at 3 million bpd, or 58% of pre-war levels.
Markets are discounting a 35% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.36%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.318%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +1.94%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) are down -3 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is up +1.3 bp to 5.268%. Dec T-notes gave up an early advance today and turned lower on stronger-than-expected US economic news, including Q2 GDP, the Sep ADP employment change, and the Sep MNI Chicago PMI. Also, today’s +2% increase in WTI crude oil is raising inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 2-week high of 2.365% today.
T-notes initially moved higher today as inflation concerns eased after the Q2 core PCE price index was revised lower and the Aug core PCE price index rose less than expected. The weaker-than-expected inflation readings reduced the chance of a Fed rate hike next month to 35% from 52%. T-notes also have support from some month- and quarter-end buying by bond fund managers today as they extend duration in their portfolios.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield is down -4.9 bp to 3.577%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +0.5 bp to 5.415%.
The German Sep unemployment change rose +12,000, showing a weaker labor market than expectations of 500.
German Aug retail sales rose +1.3% m/m, the largest increase in 14 months but slightly weaker than expectations of +1.5% m/m.
German Sep CPI (EU harmonized) rose +0.6% m/m and +3.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m and +3.2% y/y, with the +3.3% y/y gain the largest year-on-year increase in 2.75 years.
UK Q2 GDP was revised upward to +0.5% q/q and +1.4% y/y from the previously reported +0.4% q/q and +1.2% y/y.
Markets are discounting a 28% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks are stronger today, supporting gains in the broader market. Atlassian Corp (TEAM) is up more than +3%, and Salesforce (CRM) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, Datadog (DDOG), Adobe Systems (ADBE), Autodesk (ADSK), and Intuit (INTU) are up more than +2%. In addition, Microsoft (MSFT), Palantir Technologies (PLTR), ServiceNow (NOW), and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) are up more than +1%.
Cybersecurity stocks are strengthening today, providing support to the overall market. Gen Digital (GEN) is up more than +6%, and Okta (OKTA) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) are up more than +3%. Also, Fortinet (FTNT) and SentinelOne (S) are up more than +2%, and Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) and Zscaler (ZS) are up more than +1%.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after raising its fiscal 2027 networking segment revenue growth outlook.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is up more than +2% after the US Navy awarded the company a $5.1 billion contract for the accomplishment of the USS Harry S. Truman refueling and complex overhaul.
Target (TGT) is up more than +1% after HSBC upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $190.
Moderna (MRNA) is down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after Citigroup downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $80.
Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) is down more than -3% after reporting Q1 net sales of $539.6 million, below the consensus of $552.2 million.
Northrup Grumman (NOC) is down more than -3% after losing out to Boeing on the $20 billion contract to build the Navy’s next-generation fighter jet.
Earnings Reports (9/30/2026)
Cal-Maine Foods Inc (CALM), Conagra Brands Inc (CAG), FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS), Jabil Inc (JBL), Micron Technology Inc (MU), Progress Software Corp (PRGS).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Push Higher as Fed Rate Hike Chances Fall

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is up by +0.34% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.07%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.52%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) are up +0.35%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) are up +0.52%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today as inflation concerns eased after the Q2 core PCE price index was revised lower and the Aug core PCE price index rose less than expected. The better-than-expected inflation news reduced the chance of a Fed rate hike next month to 35% from 52% on Tuesday. Also, signs of growth in the US economy supported stocks after Q2 GDP was revised higher, the Sep ADP employment change rose more than expected, and Aug personal spending rose the most in 5 months.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks are awaiting Micron Technology's earnings after the close today to gauge demand for AI spending.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -6.0% in the week ended September 25, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -4.3% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -8.7%. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose +18 bp to a 2.75-year high of 7.30% from 7.12% the prior week.
The US Sep ADP employment change rose by +90,000, stronger than expectations of +75,000.
US Aug personal spending rose by +0.9% m/m, right on expectations and the largest increase in five months. Aug personal income rose +0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.5% m/m.
The US Aug core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, rose +0.2% m/m and +3.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +0.3% m/m and +3.3% y/y.
US Q2 GDP was revised upward to +2.2% (q/q annualized), stronger than expectations of no change at +1.5%, as Q2 personal consumption was revised upward to +3.8% from the previously reported +3.4%. The Q2 core PCE price index was revised downward to +3.3% from the previously reported +3.6%.
Positive economic news from China supported global growth prospects and boosted stocks. The China Sep manufacturing PMI rose +0.3 to 50.1, right on expectations. The China Sep non-manufacturing PMI rose +1.2 to 50.2, stronger than expectations of 49.2.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) are up more than +1% today after Russia announced that it was extending a ban on most diesel exports through October, further tightening theglobal market Russia began its diesel export ban in July after Ukrainian drone and missile attacks damaged Russian refineries. Gains in crude are limited after JPMorgan Chase said Middle East crude exports have rebounded to 17.5 million bpd, or about 98% of pre-war levels, although flows of gasoline, diesel and distillates were at 3 million bpd, or 58% of pre-war levels.
Markets are discounting a 35% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.36%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.318%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +1.94%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) are up +5 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.1 bp to 5.234%. Dec T-notes are moving higher today as inflation concerns eased after the Q2 core PCE price index was revised lower and the Aug core PCE price index rose less than expected. The weaker-than-expected inflation readings reduced the chance of a Fed rate hike next month to 35% from 52%. T-notes also have support from some month- and quarter-end buying by bond fund managers today as they extend duration in their portfolios.
Gains in T-notes are limited after the Sep ADP employment change rose more than expected, a sign of labor market strength that is hawkish for Fed policy. Also, today’s +1% increase in WTI crude oil is raising inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield is down -5.6 bp to 3.570%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.9 bp to 5.401%.
The German Sep unemployment change rose +12,000, showing a weaker labor market than expectations of 500.
German Aug retail sales rose +1.3% m/m, the largest increase in 14 months but slightly weaker than expectations of +1.5% m/m.
German Sep CPI (EU harmonized) rose +0.6% m/m and +3.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m and +3.2% y/y, with the +3.3% y/y gain the largest year-on-year increase in 2.75 years.
UK Q2 GDP was revised upward to +0.5% q/q and +1.4% y/y from the previously reported +0.4% q/q and +1.2% y/y.
Markets are discounting a 27% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks are stronger today, supporting gains in the broader market. Datadog (DDOG) is up more than +2%, and Salesforce (CRM) is up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, Adobe Systems (ADBE), Atlassian Corp (TEAM), Autodesk (ADSK), Intuit (INTU), Microsoft (MSFT), Palantir Technologies (PLTR), ServiceNow (NOW), and Workday (WDAY) are up more than +1%.
Cybersecurity stocks are strengthening today, providing support to the overall market. Okta (OKTA) is up more than +2%, and Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), SentinelOne (S), and Gen Digital (GEN) are up more than +1%.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after raising its fiscal 2027 networking segment revenue growth outlook.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is up more than +2% after the US Navy awarded the company a $5.1 billion contract for the accomplishment of the USS Harry S. Truman refueling and complex overhaul.
Target (TGT) is up more than +1% after HSBC upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $190.
Moderna (MRNA) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after Citigroup downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $80.
Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) is down more than -5% after reporting Q1 net sales of $539.6 million, below the consensus of $552.2 million.
Northrup Grumman (NOC) is down more than -3% after losing out to Boeing on the $20 billion contract to build the Navy’s next-generation fighter jet.
Earnings Reports (9/30/2026)
Cal-Maine Foods Inc (CALM), Conagra Brands Inc (CAG), FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS), Jabil Inc (JBL), Micron Technology Inc (MU), Progress Software Corp (PRGS).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Climb on Signs of Lower Inflation and Stronger US Growth

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is down by -0.92% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down by -0.75%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -1.55%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) are down -0.90%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) are down -1.47%.
Stock indexes are under pressure today as crude oil prices raise inflation risks and push bond yields higher. Crude prices are up more than +2% today as hopes faded for an imminent breakthrough to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposals to end the war. Today’s surge in crude prices has raised inflation expectations and pushed global bond yields higher, with the 10-year T-note yield climbing to a 19-year high of 5.27% and the 10-year German Bund yield rising to a 17-year high of 3.65%. The jump in bond yields is weighing on chipmakers and AI stocks, which are leading the overall market lower.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
On the positive side for stocks, the US and China detailed a plan to cut tariffs on about $30 billion of imports from each country. China's Commerce Ministry said today that the reductions will take effect once both sides complete procedures required under their domestic laws. Also, today’s US economic news supported stocks after the Sep Dallas Fed manufacturing survey fell -1.8 to 9.8, a smaller decline than expectations of 7.8.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) are up more than +2% today on fading hopes for an imminent breakthrough in peace talks to end the Iran war. President Trump on Saturday rejected Iran's latest proposal to end the war, and Iran said it will not soften any demands it has made to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported that US negotiators are pressing Iran to make concessions on its nuclear program to revive the peace talks and placate President Trump on an issue he has made a top priority. The newspaper also reported that Mr. Trump expects to resume the bombing campaign against Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3. Crude prices also rose after Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen launched drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia over the weekend.
Markets are discounting a 68% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.57%. China's Shanghai Composite fell to a 1.75-month low and closed down -1.67%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell from a 1.25-month high and closed down -0.73%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) are down -17 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is up +9.7 bp to 5.257%. T-note prices tumbled to a 19-year nearest-futures low today, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a new 19-year high of 5.272%. Today’s +2% jump in WTI crude oil has strengthened inflation expectations, undercutting T-note prices and pushing yields higher. Losses in T-notes are limited as today’s slump in equities has spurred some safe-haven demand for T-notes.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield climbed to a 17-year high of 3.650% and is up +4.1 bp to 3.642%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 1.5-week high of 5.421% and is up +5.4 bp to 5.420%.
Comments from ECB President Christine Lagarde were dovish for ECB policy when she said, “While growth has been resilient, since the last ECB meeting, long-term interest rates have risen notably, which will slow growth and reduce pass-through by more than projected in our September exercise.”
Markets are discounting a 37% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI stocks are sliding today, with the jump in T-note yields. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is down more than -3%. ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) is down more than -8% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Intel (INTC) and Qualcomm (QCOM) are down more than -6%. Also, SanDisk (SNDK) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are down more than -5%, and Marvell Technology (MRVL) is down more than -4%. In addition, Micron Technology (MU), Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX), and Western Digital (WDC) are down more than -3%, and Applied Materials (AMAT), Lam Research (LRCX), and KLA Corp (KLAC) are down more than -2%.
Mining stocks are slipping today as gold and silver prices tumbled to 1.75-month lows. Anglogold Ashanti (AU) is down more than -6%, and Coeur Mining (CDE) and Hecla Mining (HL) are down more than -5%. Also, Newmont Corp (NEM) and Barrick Mining (B) are down more than -4%, and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Southern Copper (SCCO) are down more than -1%.
Software stocks are slumping today, weighing on the broader market. Atlassian Corp (TEAM) is down more than -4%, and ServiceNow (NOW) and Oracle (ORCL) are down more than -3%. Also, Adobe Systems (ADBE), Intuit (INTU), and IBM (IBM) are down more than -2%, and Salesforce (CRM) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. In addition, Autodesk (ADSK) and Microsoft (MSFT) are down more than -1%.
Bloom Energy (BE) is down more than -9% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after Oracle sent a New Mexico data center developer a notice citing force majeure, in an attempt to put off payments if the data center gets derailed.
Roblox (RBLX) is down more than -7% after Jeffries downgraded the stock to underperform from hold, with a price target of $38.
Boeing (BA) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials on a complaint that the company violated several federal laws when it retaliated against a federal contract compliance expert for calling attention to aircraft safety and worker health issues.
UiPath (PATH) is down more than -3% after D.A. Davidson downgraded the stock to underperform from neutral, with a price target of $10.
Snowflake (SNOW) is down more than -2% after announcing it intends to offer $3.5 billion of convertible senior notes due in 2029 and 2031.
Kodiak Sciences (KOD) is up more than +142% after saying a Phase-3 study of Zenkuda and tabirafusp-ted met key endpoints in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.
Netease ADRs (NTES) are up more than +5% after Morgan Stanley named it a top pick among peers, expecting the company’s new Ananta game to become a blockbuster launch and a core growth driver next year.
Nvidia (NVDA) is up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after boosting its share buyback program by $150 billion.
Earnings Reports (9/28/2026)
IDT Corp (IDT), Jefferies Financial Group Inc (JEF), Liberty Live Holdings Inc (LLYVA), ReposiTrak Inc (TRAK), SR Bancorp Inc (SRBK), Vail Resorts Inc (MTN).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart