CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions in the United States and internationally. Its unified platform offers cloud-delivered protection of endpoints, cloud workloads, identity, and data. The company offers corporate endpoint and cloud workload security, managed security, security and vulnerability management, IT operations management, identity protection, SIEM and log management, threat intelligence, data protection, security orchestration, automation and response and AI powered workflow automation, and securing generative AI workload services. It primarily sells subscriptions to its Falcon platform and cloud modules. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, flat. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Медведи в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bears are confused.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, flat. The market is on the bulls' side.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок не поддерживает медведей.

Strong index, flat. The market does not support the bears.

Слабый индекс, незначительно упал

Слабый индекс, незначительно вырос

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed down by -1.09% on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down by -0.34%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -2.50%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) fell -1.14%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) fell -2.51%.
Stock indexes sold off sharply on Friday, with the S&P 500 falling to a 2-week low and the Nasdaq 100 dropping to a 1-month low. Selling in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks led the market lower on Friday, driven by concerns about whether companies will see returns on their huge investments in the AI infrastructure buildout. Also, CoreWeave sank more than -11% to weigh on cloud infrastructure stocks as concerns about the company’s credit risk linger.
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Stock losses accelerated Friday afternoon as crude oil prices soared more than 3% to a 1-month high, raising inflation expectations and fueling fears the Fed will keep raising interest rates to contain inflation.
Higher bond yields undercut stocks after Fed Chair Warsh made no remarks on monetary policy or his outlook for the US economy late Thursday evening at the IMF annual meeting in Bangkok. The 10-year T-note yield rose +1 bp to 5.09%.
Friday’s US economic news was mixed for stocks. The Sep import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.8% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.6% m/m, the largest increase in 5 months and a sign of price pressures. However, Sep manufacturing production rose +0.3% m/m, right on expectations.
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 Friday, 40 of the S&P 500 companies have reported results, with 78% beating estimates.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) surged more than +3% on Friday to a 1-month high. Crude prices rallied on Friday amid a weaker dollar and concerns that escalating Middle East hostilities could disrupt regional energy supplies. Prices race to their highs Friday afternoon after US lawmakers introduced a bill to block President Trump’s deal with Russia to release several hundred million barrels of diesel fuel.
Markets are discounting a 17% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets settled higher on Friday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.58%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.24%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +1.39%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) closed down -2.5 ticks on Friday. The 10-year T-note yield rose +2.7 bp to 5.085%. Dec T-notes were under pressure Friday after Fed Chair Warsh's lack of guidance at the annual IMF meeting in Bangkok weighed on T-notes. Also, Friday’s +3% surge in WTI crude oil to a 1-month high raised inflation expectations and weighed on T-notes. Friday’s stock plunge sparked safe-haven buying of government debt and limited T-note losses.
European government bond yields were mixed on Friday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +1.3 bp to 3.426%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -0.2 bp to 5.373%.
ECB Governing Council member and Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said. "The ECB has raised interest rates twice, and if the situation remains as it is, we don't rule out the possibility that we may have to take further action."
Markets are discounting a 10% 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 continued their week-long slide on Friday, weighing on the broader market. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -7%, and Western Digital (WDC), SanDisk (SNDK), and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) closed down more than -6%. Also, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Micron Technology (MU), Intel (INTC), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed down more than -5%, and Lam Research (LRCX), KLA Corp (KLAC), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Broadcom (AVGO) closed down more than -4%. In addition,
CoreWeave (CRWV) closed down more than -11% to weigh on cloud infrastructure stocks as debt concerns linger after swaps priced in more than a 50% chance the company will default on its debt within five years. Also, Nebius Group NV (NBIS) closed down more than -12% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Applied Digital (APLD) closed down more than -11%. In addition, Lumentum Holdings (LITE) closed down more than -5%, and Oracle (ORCL) and Arista Networks (ANET) closed down more than -4%.
The Magnificent Seven stocks, excluding Apple, fell on Friday and weighed on the overall market. Meta Platforms (META) closed down more than -3%, and Alphabet (GOOGL) closed down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, Tesla (TSLA) closed down more than -2%, and Amazon.com (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), and Nvidia (NVDA) closed down more than -1%. Apple (AAPL) bucked the trend and closed up +0.43%.
Cybersecurity stocks retreated on Friday. Okta (OKTA) closed down more than -10%, and SentinelOne (S), Fortinet (FTNT), Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD), and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed down more than -7%. Also, Cloudflare (NET) closed down more than -6%, Zscaler (ZS) closed down more than -5%, and Gen Digital (GEN) closed down more than -2%.
Energy producers and service providers rallied on Friday after WTI crude oil rose more than +3% to a 1-month high. APA Corp (APA) closed up more than +4%, and Diamondback Energy (FANG) closed up more than +4% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, ConocoPhillips (COP) and Devon Energy (DVN) closed up more than +3%, and Chevron (CVX) closed up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones industrials. In addition, Baker Hughes (BKR), ExxonMobil Holdings (XOM), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), and SLB Ltd (SLB) closed up more than +2%, and Halliburton (HAL) and Phillips 66 (PSX) closed up more than +1%.
Defense contractors rose on Friday as the companies are set to benefit from increased defense spending. Northrop Grumman (NOC) closed up more than +4%, and Lockheed Martin (LMT), RTX Corp (RTX), and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) closed up more than +3%. Also, General Dynamics (GD) closed up more than +2%, and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) closed up more than +1%.
Defensive food producers moved higher on Friday amid the slump in the broader market. Kraft Heinz Co (KHC), McCormick & Co (MKC), J M Smucker (SJM), Hershey Co (HSY), Hormel Foods (HRL), and Mondelez International (MDLZ) closed up more than +1%.
Omeros (OMER) closed down more than -14% after the European Medicines Agency issued a negative opinion on the company’s application for its narsoplimab therapy.
Earnings Reports (10/19/2026)
AGNC Investment Corp (AGNC), BOK Financial Corp (BOKF), Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (CLF), Crown Holdings Inc (CCK), Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB), FNB Corp/PA (FNB), RLI Corp (RLI), Steel Dynamics Inc (STLD), W R Berkley Corp (WRB), Western Alliance Bancorp (WAL), Wintrust Financial Corp (WTFC), Zions Bancorp NA (ZION).
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.

Stock Indexes Finish Sharply Lower as Tech Stocks Plunge

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed down by -1.11% on Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down by -0.09%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -2.02%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) fell -1.16%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) fell -2.10%.
Stock indexes sold off sharply on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 falling to a 1.5-week low and the Nasdaq 100 dropping to a 3.5-week low. Inflation woes dampened market sentiment and sparked stock liquidation on Wednesday after US September consumer prices rose more than expected, reinforcing speculation that the Fed will keep interest rates higher for longer amid sticky price pressures. The chance of a 25 bp Fed rate hike at this month’s FOMC meeting rose to 37% from 22% before the CPI report. Also, the rout in chipmakers continued Wednesday, weighing on the overall market.
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Wednesday’s broader market slump sparked defensive buying of health care and pharmaceutical stocks, limiting losses in the Dow Jones industrials.
US Sep CPI rose +3.7% y/y, stronger than expectations of +3.6% y/y. Sep core CPI rose +2.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of 2.5% y/y.
The Fed Beige Book was hawkish, noting that a majority of the twelve Fed districts in the six weeks through October 5 reported economic growth, and half saw robust or intensifying price pressures.
Stocks and bonds garnered some support Wednesday on comments from Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman, who signaled she favors keeping Fed policy steady at this month's FOMC meeting when she said, "We have some time to wait and see how financial conditions and the economy evolve before we decide that we need to take any more action" on interest rates.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.7% in the week ended October 9, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -4.0% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -0.4%. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose +1 bp to a 2.75-year high of 7.50% from 7.49% the prior week.
China's trade news was better than expected, supporting global growth prospects. China's Sep exports rose +36.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +25.7% y/y and the most in 7 months. Sep imports rose +31.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +25.0% y/y.
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%.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) closed up more than +1% on Wednesday as Yemen's Houthi rebels launched multiple 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.
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 up +0.38%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.89%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed down -0.05%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) closed up by +4.5 ticks on Wednesday. The 10-year T-note yield fell -2.5 bp to 5.183%. T-note prices recovered from early losses on Wednesday and settled higher as a slump in equity markets fueled short-covering in T-notes. Also, dovish comments on Wednesday from Fed Vice Chair Bowman were bullish for T-notes when said she sees no urgent need for the Fed to raise interest rates.
T-notes initially retreated on Wednesday on the stronger-than-expected US Sep CPI report, which boosted the chance of a Fed rate hike later this month to 37% from 22% before the report. Also, Wednesday’s +1% increase in WTI crude oil has raised inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes. In addition, the Fed Beige Book was negative for T-notes, noting intensifying price pressures in more than half of the Fed’s districts.
European government bond yields moved lower on Wednesday. The 10-year German bund yield fell -0.3 bp to 3.466%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -2.3 bp to 5.424%.
The German Sep wholesale price index rose +8.7% y/y from +6.8% y/y in Aug, the strongest pace of increase in nearly 3.5 years.
Markets are discounting a 12% 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 sold off Wednesday, weighing on the overall market. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell to a 3.5-week low and closed down more than -4%. CoreWeave closed down more than -15% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Lumentum Holdings (LITE) closed down more than -8%. Also, Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed down more than -7%, and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) closed down more than -6%. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and SanDisk (SNDK) closed down more than -5%, and Lam Research (LRCX), Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX), Microchip Technology (MCHP), Intel (INTC), and Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -4%.
The Magnificent Seven technology stocks fell on Wednesday, weighing on the broader market. Nvidia (NVDA) and Meta Platforms (META) closed down more than -3%, and Tesla (TSLA) closed down more than -2%. Also, Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon.com (AMZN), and Microsoft (MSFT) closed down more than -1%. Bucking the trend, Apple (AAPL) closed up +0.50%.
Cybersecurity stocks weakened on Wednesday, weighing on the overall market. Cloudflare (NET) and Okta (OKTA) closed down more than -6%, and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed down more than -5%. Also, Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) and SentinelOne (S) closed down more than -4%, and Fortinet (FTNT) and Zscaler (ZS) closed down more than -3%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks fell on Wednesday after Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than -1%. Iren Ltd (IREN) closed down more than -12%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) and Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed down more than -9%. Also, Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) and Robinhood Markets (HOOD) closed down more than -8%, and Circle Internet Group (CRCL), BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), and Strategy (MSTR) closed down more than -5%. On addition, Coinbase Global (COIN) and Bullish (BLSH) closed down more than -4%.
Health insurance stocks moved higher on Wednesday as a defensive play amid the broader market rout. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed up more than +4% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials. Also, CVS Health Corp (CVS), Cardinal Health (CAH), and United Health Services (UHS) closed up more than +3%, and HCA Healthcare (HCA) and the Cigna Group (CI) closed up more than +2%. In addition, Centene (CNC) and Humana (HUM) closed up more than +1%.
Defensive pharmaceutical stocks rallied on Wednesday amid the broader market slump. Amgen (AMGN), Eli Lilly (LLY), Gilead Sciences (GILD), Merck & Co (MRK), Pfizer (PFE), and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) closed up more than +3%, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) closed up more than +2%.
Dell Technologies (DELL) closed down more than -11% to lead losers in the S&P 500 , Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) closed down more than -8%, and NetApp (NTAP) closed down more than -6% after Barclays downgraded the stocks to equal weight from overweight.
Bank of America (BAC) closed down more than -4% after reporting Q3 equities trading revenue ex-DVA of $2.51 billion, weaker than the consensus of $2.63 billion.
State Street (STT) closed down more than -3% after reporting Q3 revenue of $4.00 billion, weaker than the consensus of $4.04 billion.
Progressive (PGR) closed down more than -3% after reporting Q3 net premiums written of $22.30 billion, below the consensus of $22.50 billion.
Liquidia (LQDA) closed up more than +27% after reaching a global settlement resolving all pending litigation with United Therapeutics.
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.

Stocks Sharply Lower on Inflation Woes and Slumping Chipmakers

Key Points
CrowdStrike continues to dominate the cybersecurity market with its integrated Falcon platform.
UiPath is achieving significant profitability while leading the expansion of AI-driven automation.
Which software leader is the more compelling addition to your portfolio for 2026?
As digital threats evolve and automation becomes essential, investors must weigh the merits of different software leaders. This comparison evaluates CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) and UiPath (NYSE:PATH) to determine which is the better buy.
CrowdStrike provides cloud-based security through its Falcon platform, while UiPath focuses on robotic process automation and AI agents. Both companies offer critical software infrastructure, but they occupy different stages of financial growth. This analysis examines their revenue trends, balance sheet strength, and current valuations to help you decide for 2026.
The case for CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike is a prominent name among tech stocks, selling cybersecurity software through its Falcon platform. This platform secures endpoints, cloud workloads, and identity data for more than 88,000 organizations globally. The company serves a diverse base of enterprise and government clients, including many managed security service providers. It recently highlighted the growth of its Falcon Flex subscription model, which now supports over 1,000 customers. The company maintains a close technical relationship with Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), its primary infrastructure provider.
In FY 2026, revenue reached nearly $4.8 billion, representing approximately 21.7% growth over the prior year. Despite the rising sales, the company reported a net loss of roughly $162.5 million for the fiscal year. This resulted in a net margin of -3.4%, indicating the percentage of revenue lost after deducting all expenses. In comparison, the company had a net margin of -0.5% during FY 2025. This year-over-year trend indicates that while revenue is expanding, profitability remains a challenge.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.2x. This ratio measures total debt relative to shareholder equity, indicating that the company uses relatively little borrowed money. The current ratio is nearly 1.8x, indicating the company's ability to pay its short-term debts with its current assets. Free cash flow, defined as cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was roughly $1.3 billion for the year. Note that stock-based compensation accounted for roughly 68% of operating cash flow, inflating reported cash generation, since SBC is a non-cash expense added back to cash flow.
UiPath provides an automation platform designed to manage AI agents and software robots for complex enterprise tasks. The company has a legal presence in 30 countries and serves approximately 10,747 customers across sectors like retail, manufacturing, and financial services. Roughly 54% of its revenue in fiscal 2026 came from customers located outside of the United States. To strengthen its offerings, the company expanded strategic alliances with Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW) to integrate governed data. It also works with partners like BDO USA to develop specialized agentic AI solutions for risk management.
In FY 2026, revenue reached nearly $1.6 billion, representing revenue growth of approximately 12.7% over the previous year. The company reported a net income of roughly $282.3 million, a significant swing from the net loss seen in FY 2025. This produced a net margin of approximately 17.5%, indicating the portion of each sales dollar that remains as profit. This improvement demonstrates the company's ability to scale its operations more efficiently as it matures. The transition to consistent profitability is a key milestone for the business.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.0x. This suggests the company has negligible total debt relative to its shareholder equity. The current ratio is roughly 2.5x, a figure that measures how easily a company can cover its upcoming financial obligations with its current assets. Free cash flow for the period was nearly $352.2 million. Note that stock-based compensation accounted for roughly 78.3% of operating cash flow, inflating reported cash generation, since SBC is a non-cash expense added back to cash flow.
Risk profile comparison
CrowdStrike faces risks following its July 19, 2024, content configuration update incident, which caused significant reputational and financial damage. The company also deals with intense competition from other cybersecurity vendors and rapid changes in AI technology. It depends heavily on Amazon for infrastructure, creating a risk of service disruptions that could harm subscriptions. Furthermore, evolving global data privacy laws, such as the GDPR, impose heavy compliance burdens and potential penalties on businesses.
UiPath is highly dependent on its single automation platform, which poses a risk if it fails to evolve with AI trends. The company faces stiff competition from enterprise platform vendors like Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) that are integrating their own AI agents. Complex deployments often require high-quality support, and implementation failures can lead to lower renewal rates. Additionally, international operations in countries like Romania and India involve complex tax and regulatory environments. These factors could lead to future audits or unexpected penalties.
Valuation comparison
UiPath offers a much more conservative entry point based on the Forward P/E and P/S ratio when compared to CrowdStrike. The Forward P/E measures the current share price against future earnings estimates, while the P/S ratio measures a company's market value relative to its sales over the past twelve months.
Forward P/E
215.5x
16.7x
P/S ratio
51.0x
4.1x
Valuation metrics include those sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from those of other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
When comparing CrowdStrike and UiPath, investors should consider a few key factors. Let's have a look at them and see what that tells us about each stock.
To start, there's growth. Both companies are growing at a steady pace. However, CrowdStrike has the overall edge. Over the last five years, CrowdStrike's year-over-year revenue growth has averaged 37%, while UiPath's has been 19%. In recent quarters, both companies' growth has moderated, but CrowdStrike still maintains a solid lead over UiPath (26% vs. 13%).
Another factor to consider is each company's profitability. Here, UiPath has an advantage. While UiPath struggled to achieve profitability for many years, it has pivoted to consistent profitability in recent quarters. It now boasts an operating margin of about 9%. CrowdStrike, meanwhile, has long hovered near profitability but has struggled to deliver consistent profits. Its current operating margin stands at -1%, very close to its five-year average of -4%.
Last, there's valuation. Given CrowdStrike's inconsistent profits, let's examine each company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratios to establish a clear apples-to-apples comparison. By doing so, it's obvious that UiPath, with its 4x P/S ratio, is much more affordable than CrowdStrike, with its 51x P/S ratio.
In summary, both stocks are intriguing options for growth-focused investors. CrowdStrike has the overall advantage in terms of growth, while UiPath is the winner on both profitability and valuation. Ultimately, the fundamentals only tell part of the story. UiPath stock has underperformed largely due to concerns that its business model may be threatened by large language models (LLMs). CrowdStrike, meanwhile, appears poised to benefit from the rise of AI, as organizations ramp up cybersecurity spending amid new AI-driven cyber threats. Therefore, I still lean towards CrowdStrike stock.
Should you buy stock in CrowdStrike right now?
Before you buy stock in CrowdStrike, consider this:
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*Stock Advisor returns as of October 10, 2026.
Jake Lerch has positions in Amazon and CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, CrowdStrike, Salesforce, Snowflake, and UiPath. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

CrowdStrike vs. UiPath: Which Technology Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Key Points
He maintained his buy recommendation on the shares.
This followed discussions with company officials about the Falcon Flex service.
A substantial price target raise gave plenty of lift to CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:CRWD) on Friday. Encouraged by that move, investors piled into the cybersecurity stock, sending it to a nearly 5% gain on a day when the S&P 500 index bumped 0.6% higher.
Secure in his recommendation
The pundit behind the hike was Needham's Mike Cikos, who lifted his CrowdStrike fair value assessment to $310 per share from $250. He maintained his buy recommendation on the mainstay of the cybersecurity sector.
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Image source: Getty Images.
According to reports, Cikos' new take centered on the company's Falcon Flex. This is a subscription service that gives users access to a "pool" of the company's products, allowing them to switch in and out of CrowdStrike models as needed.
Citing a conversation his team had with company officials, Cikos concluded that Flex is enabling customers and adding to the value of its foundational platform. Another factor affecting his change was a set of minor adjustments he made to his free cash flow (FCF) estimates for the company's fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
Playing defense
Falcon Flex is appropriately named, in my opinion, given the high degree of flexibility it gives CrowdStrike clients. The inexhaustible rise of artificial intelligence (AI) could create bad actors with powerful hacking tools, so the more nimble any cyber defense system, the better. I'd agree with Cikos' very bullish outlook on this stock's future.
Should you buy stock in CrowdStrike right now?
Before you buy stock in CrowdStrike, 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 CrowdStrike 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 9, 2026.
Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Why CrowdStrike Holdings Stock Crushed it on Friday

Key Points
With worries about "rogue" AI agents on the rise, people want to hear what the cybersecurity company has to say.
Also, an analyst raised his price target on the stock substantially.
Don't look now, but one of the hottest tickets in tech industry events is being led by cybersecurity specialist CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD). On news that an upcoming industry conference it's helming has already set records, investors eagerly bought the stock, sending it to a more than 2% gain on Tuesday. CrowdStrike also received a substantial price target increase from an analyst.
The wisdom of crowds
That morning, CrowdStrike announced that its upcoming Fal.Con Europe2026 event has sold out, reaching capacity more quickly than ever in its three-year history. On top of that, registrations were up a meaty 60% over last year's conference.
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Over the decade CrowdStrike has been running Fal.Con (at least in its native U.S.) it has grown into a major event for the cybersecurity industry. This bolsters the case for CrowdStrike as a bellwether company in its sector, and a pacesetting business that others want to listen to and learn from.
Separately, the company's equity was the focus of a new analyst note, and a positive one at that. StoneX analyst Yi Fu Lee upped his price target on CrowdStrike shares to $325 apiece, well up from his previous $250. Almost needless to say, he maintained his buy recommendation.
Growing AI fears
The excited and enthusiastic reaction to the next Fal.Con Europe indicates that cybersecurity is, if anything, an even hotter focus of attention than it was in years past. I'd say much of this stems from recent issues in artificial intelligence (AI) development, such as incidents where certain models strayed from their assigned tasks during deployment.
Like numerous peer companies, CrowdStrike has been concentrating on AI security lately. That, plus its position as the operator of the Fal.Con conferences, is sure to keep it on the list of elite cybersecurity businesses for both clients and investors.
Should you buy stock in CrowdStrike right now?
Before you buy stock in CrowdStrike, 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 CrowdStrike 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 $364,023!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,467,933!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of October 6, 2026.
Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends CrowdStrike. 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.

Why CrowdStrike Stock Ticked Higher on Tuesday

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed up by +0.58% on Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up by +0.49%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +0.48%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) rose +0.61%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) rose +0.52%.
Stock indexes settled higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 posting new all-time highs and the Dow Jones Industrials posting a 1-week high. Lower bond yields on Tuesday supported stock gains as the 10-year T-note yield fell -4 bp to 5.27%.
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Strength in the Magnificent Seven technology stocks and a rally in cybersecurity stocks also supported the overall market on Tuesday. In addition, earnings optimism is bullish for stock prices. 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 next week when US money center banks report.
Weakness in chipmakers and AI stocks on Tuesday limited broader market gains. Also, hawkish comments on Tuesday from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly weighed on stocks when she said she's concerned that AI spending, tariffs, and energy costs could keep inflation elevated longer, requiring more Fed tightening.
Tuesday’s US economic news was bearish for stocks after the Aug trade deficit increased to a 17-month high of -$105.6 billion, wider than expectations of -$102.1 billion and a negative factor for Q3 GDP.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) settled little changed on Tuesday. Prices initially tumbled to a 1-month low Tuesday, on signs that more oil supplies are coming out of the Middle East. Kuwait said it is pumping about 75% of the level seen before the Iran war, and Iraq is seeking to hire additional vessels to send its oil cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices were also pressured on Tuesday after Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia said they retook the port city of Mokha and other areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi militants.
However, short covering emerged, and crude prices finished little changed Tuesday on signs that Iran is ramping up attacks on tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations reported on Tuesday that the pace of attacks by Iran has increased in recent days, with nine vessels targeted over the last several days.
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 settled higher on Tuesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.48%. China's Shanghai Composite did not trade, with markets in China closed for the week-long Golden Week holidays. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average soared to a 3-month high and closed up +1.05%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) closed up +9 ticks on Tuesday. The 10-year T-note yield fell down -3.8 bp to 5.267%. T-notes finished higher on Tuesday and found early support from the decline in WTI crude oil prices to a 1-month low. Also, decent demand for the Treasury’s $58 billion auction of 3-year T-notes was supportive for prices after the auction produced a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.62, close to the 10-auction average of 2.64.
However, Tuesday’s rally in the S&P 500 curbed safe haven demand for T-notes. Also, hawkish comments from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly limited gains in T-notes when she said inflation may last longer than expected, requiring additional Fed rate hikes.
European government bond yields moved lower on Tuesday. The 10-year German bund yield fell -1.5 bp to 3.478%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -4.3 bp to 5.375%.
Eurozone Aug retail sales rose +0.1% m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.2% m/m.
German Aug factory orders fell -10.6% m/m, weaker than expectations of -1.0% m/m and the biggest decline in 7 months.
French Finance Minister Lescure said circumstances in France are very different from a decade earlier during the debt crisis and the country is far from needing help from the ECB.
Markets are discounting a 14% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
Most Magnificent Seven technology stocks finished higher on Tuesday, a positive factor for the overall market. Amazon.com (AMZN) closed up more than +1%, and Microsoft (MSFT) closed up +0.85%. Also, Tesla (TSLA) closed up +0.47%, Alphabet (GOOGL) closed up +0.34%, Apple (AAPL) closed up +0.22%, and Nvidia (NVDA) closed up +0.15%. Conversely, Meta Platforms (META) closed down -0.34%.
Strength in cybersecurity stocks rallied on Tuesday. Zscaler (ZS) closed up more than +5%, and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Fortinet (FTNT) closed up more than +3%. Also, Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) and Gen Digital (GEN) closed up more than +2%, and SentinelOne (S) closed up more than +1%.
Airlines and cruise line operators found support on Tuesday from the decline in WTI crude oil to a 1-month low, which lowers fuel costs and boosts the profitability prospects of the companies. Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) closed up more than +5% and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) closed up more than +4%. Also, Carnival (CCL) closed up more than +3%, and United Airlines Holdings (UAL), American Airlines Group (AAL), Alaska Air Group (ALK) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) closed up more than +1%.
Weakness in chipmakers and AI stocks on Tuesday limited gains in the broader market. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -9% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100. Also, Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -6% and KLA Corp (KLAC) closed down more than -4%. In addition, Lam Research (LRCX) and Intel (INTC) closed down more than -3%, and Sandisk (SNDK) and Applied Materials (AMAT) closed down more than -2%.
Option Care Health (OPCH) closed up more than +32% after McKesson and Clayton Dubilier & Rice agreed to acquire the company for $5.8 billion, including debt.
Constellation Energy (CEG) closed up more than +12% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after announcing a long-term deal with Google to bring 890 MW of new nuclear capacity over 20 years onto the PJM grid in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Apogee Enterprises (APOG) closed up more than +11% after boosting its 2027 adjusted EPS estimate to $3.00 to $3.40 from a prior view of $2.70 to $3.25, well above the consensus of $2.92.
Lam Weston Holdings (LW) closed up more than +7% after boosting its 2027 adjusted EPS forecast to $3.05 to $3.35 from a previous estimate of $2.95 to $3.25, stronger than the consensus of $3.02.
Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed up more than +5% after saying at an investor day conference that it sees $20 billion in total revenue for fiscal 2028.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) closed up more than +2% after CEO Lisa Su predicted “very high” chip demand continuing for the next few years.
Vaxcyte (PCVX) closed down more than -9% after announcing that it will offer $500 million worth of shares and pre-funded warrants.
Gentex (GNTX) closed down more than -1% after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $20.
Earnings Reports (10/7/2026)
Applied Digital Corp (APLD), Richardson Electronics Ltd/Uni (RELL), ZenaTech Inc (ZENA).
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 Finish Higher on Lower Bond Yields and Earnings Optimism

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed up by +0.66% on Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up by +0.18%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +0.87%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26) rose +0.67%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ26) rose +0.88%.
Stock indexes settled higher on Monday, with the S&P 500 climbing to a 1.5-month high and the Nasdaq 100 climbing to a new record high. Strength in the Magnificent Seven technology stocks on Monday supported gains in the broader market. Also, M&A activity was supportive of stocks after Schneider Electric agreed to buy PTC Inc. for $22.6 billion, and C.H. Robinson Worldwide agreed to purchase RXO for $5.8 billion. In addition, Monday’s -1% decline in WTI crude oil lowered inflation expectations and improved market sentiment, boosting stocks.
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Limiting stock gains on Monday were signs of price pressures in the US services sector that boosted bond yields and are hawkish for Fed policy. The 10-year T-note yield rose to a 24-yer high of 5.35% and finished up +4 bp at 5.31% after the Sep ISM services prices paid sub-index rose more than expected to a 4-year high.
The US Sep ISM services index fell -0.5 to 54.9, slightly weaker than expectations of 55.0. The Sep ISM services prices paid sub-index rose +1.4 to a 4-year high of 74.0, stronger than expectations of 73.3.
Nov WTI crude oil prices (CLX26) fell more than -1% on Monday and were under pressure after Saudi Aramco lowered the price of its Arab Light crude to Asian buyers by $5 a barrel below a regional benchmark for November delivery, a wider cut than expectations of a $5 a barrel increase. Crude prices also fell after Saudi Arabia said crude supplies through its East-West pipeline had risen to 80% of capacity as of Saturday.
Markets are discounting a 24% chance of a +25 bp Fed rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on October 27-28.
Overseas stock markets settled higher on Monday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.06%. China's Shanghai Composite did not trade, with markets in China closed for the week-long Golden Week holidays. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average rallied to a 3-month high and closed up +2.40%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) closed down -4.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +4.4 bp to 5.315%. The 10-year T-note yield climbed to a new 24-year high of 5.347% on Monday as signs of price pressures in the US services sector weighed on T-notes. The Sep ISM services prices paid sub-index rose more than expected to a 4-year high. Also, higher inflation expectations were bearish for T-notes after the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 2.5-week high of 2.380% on Monday. In addition, supply pressures are weighing on T-notes as the Treasury will auction $119 billion in T-notes and T-bonds this week, beginning with Tuesday’s $58 billion auction of 3-year T-notes. Monday’s -1% decline in WTI crude oil prices was supportive for T-notes.
European government bond yields moved higher on Monday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +3.1 bp to 3.493%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +5.2 bp to 5.418%.
Eurozone Aug PPI rose +8.2% y/y, stronger than expectations of +7.6% y/y and the largest increase in 3.5 years.
The Eurozone Oct Sentix investor confidence index fell by -2.4 to 2.7, weaker than expectations of 4.2.
ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane said a measured ECB response is appropriate to control inflation as policymakers assess how a second wave of energy shocks affects the economy.
The UK Sep S&P services PMI was revised upward by +0.4 to 52.1 from the previously reported 51.7.
Markets are discounting an 13% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting on October 29.
US Stock Movers
The Magnificent Seven technology stocks were mostly higher on Monday, a positive factor for the overall market. Tesla (TSLA) closed up more than +2%, and Nvidia (NVDA) closed up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones industrials. Also, Meta Platforms (META) and Microsoft (MSFT) closed up more than +1%, and Alphabet (GOOGL) closed up +0.86%. Conversely, Apple (AAPL) closed down -0.24%, and Amazon.com (AMZN) closed down -0.05%.
Software stocks moved higher on Monday, a positive factor for the overall market. Autodesk (ADSK) and Atlassian Corp (TEAM) closed up more than +4%, and ServiceNow (NOW), Intuit (INTU), and Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +1%.
Strength in cybersecurity stocks on Monday was another supportive factor for the broader market. Okta (OKTA) and Cloudflare (NET) closed up more than +3%, and Zscaler (ZS) closed up more than +2%. Also, Fortinet (FTNT), SentinelOne (S), and Gen Digital (GEN) closed up more than +1%, and Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) closed up +0.97% and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed up +0.86%.
PTC Inc (PTC) closed up more than +33% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Schneider Electric agreed to buy the company for $22.6 billion, or about $205 per share in an all-cash deal.
RXO Inc (RXO) closed up more than +22% after C.H. Robinson Worldwide agreed to buy the company for $5.8 billion, or about $30.25 per share.
Cerebras Systems (CBRS) closed up more than +9% after OpenAI CEO Altman said the company is “a close partner” of OpenAI.
Vylor Inc. (VYLR) closed up more than +9% after Mizuho Securities initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of overweight and a price target of $84.
Harley-Davidson (HOG) closed up more than +6% after Citigroup upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $33.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) closed down more than -10% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after agreeing to purchase RXO for $5.8 billion.
Insmed (INSM) closed down more than -6% after announcing that CFO Bonstein will step down, effective October 30.
Lennar (LEN) closed down more than -6% after a report from Hunterbrook Media said that “Millrose Properties bought an estimated $200 million of Lennar homes in about a month and is renting them out for what appears to be a loss.”
Group 1 Automotive (GPI) closed down more than -3% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight with a price target of $232.
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) closed down more than -3% after Leerink Partners downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform.
Earnings Reports (10/6/2026)
Apogee Enterprises Inc (APOG), Boost Run Inc (BRUN), Constellation Brands Inc (STZ), Lamb Weston Holdings Inc (LW), Neogen Corp (NEOG), Penguin Solutions Inc (PENG), RPM International Inc (RPM), Worthington Steel Inc (WS).
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 Settle Higher as Big Tech Rallies

Key Points
AI creates more points of vulnerability, and this same technology makes it much easier for hackers to exploit any vulnerability within a system.
Anthropic had to postpone the release of its Claude Mythos Model because the model made it too easy for hackers to infiltrate various digital assets. It highlights the need for advanced cybersecurity safeguards.
Revenue growth has been accelerating among major cybersecurity stocks, with AI frequently mentioned in quarterly press releases.
Artificial intelligence chips and data centers have captured a lot of attention, but cybersecurity stocks are also major beneficiaries of AI. As the build-out continues and more people use AI products and services, more points of vulnerability emerge. This larger surface area warrants more advanced cybersecurity resources to protect sensitive information from hackers.
Some investors have spotted the opportunity. CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) are two of the cybersecurity stocks that have more than doubled year-to-date. Here's why the current rally could continue.
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 »
Physical AI can require cybersecurity for everyday products
Cybersecurity isn't just for computers and keeping a hacker out of your bank account. Modern cars have built-in cybersecurity protections to mitigate risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is focused on strong cybersecurity to ensure that advanced driver assistance technologies are safe and work as intended. The agency also noted that these technologies increase vulnerabilities.
"Cybersecurity rose out of necessity to protect these systems and the information contained within them," it said in a report detailing vehicle cybersecurity.
That's important for physical AI. Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Waymo is already conducting more than 500,000 paid rides per week with its robotaxis. Self-driving vehicles already exist, and they are gradually going mainstream. These cars require far more technology than regular vehicles, and that intensifies cybersecurity needs.
Humanoid robots, which could hypothetically perform all household chores in the future, also need cybersecurity software. Chinese robot maker X Square Robot recently hosted an event demonstrating the types of chores humanoid robots could perform, so it's no longer science fiction.
If physical AI grows as quickly as ChatGPT did in its early days, demand for cybersecurity should soar similarly.
AI also makes it much easier for hackers to infiltrate leaky systems
CrowdStrike, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks all delivered strong earnings results, with accelerating revenue growth and mentions of artificial intelligence. They all cited AI as a key growth driver, but CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz highlighted the "Mythos moment," which "translated into mass-market acceptance that AI adoption needs security."
The dream scenario is that cybersecurity revenue accelerates quickly, as Google Cloud did, and the Mythos moment might justify it. This event refers to when Anthropic announced the Claude Mythos Preview. However, this new AI model was too powerful and could pinpoint thousands of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in an instant.
Naturally, that would be a hacker's dream, which explains why Anthropic held back from releasing the model. However, AI will continue to advance. It has many positive uses, but hackers can very easily get into systems with leaks. Quantum computing can make this feat even easier once the technology becomes commercially viable.
As AI scales and becomes more important for the economy and national security, businesses will require deeper investments in cybersecurity. This reality explains why cybersecurity stocks have been outpacing the broader market lately, and this tailwind doesn't seem likely to end anytime soon.
Should you buy stock in CrowdStrike right now?
Before you buy stock in CrowdStrike, 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 CrowdStrike 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 $361,650!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,437,517!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 936% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 213% 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 5, 2026.
Marc Guberti has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, CrowdStrike, and Fortinet. The Motley Fool recommends Palo Alto Networks. 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.

Why Cybersecurity Is the Most Overlooked AI Beneficiary

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%.
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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

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.
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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.

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