The Morning Bull – US Market Morning Update Thursday, Oct, 1 2026
US stock futures are pointing slightly higher this morning, with the S&P 500 mini contract up about 0.2% and the Nasdaq-100 mini edging 0.1% stronger, as investors weigh fresh signals on inflation and global growth. The key focus is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the PCE index, with headline inflation expected at 3.7% and core at 3.3%. That means the cost of living is still running above the Fed’s 2% goal. At the same time, China’s official manufacturing PMI sits at 52.1 and services at 51.6, both showing expansion, which hints at steady demand for exporters and commodity producers. The real question for investors is whether inflation that remains above target, alongside improving activity in China and mixed price data from Europe, keeps interest rate sensitive sectors like tech and real estate on edge while putting more attention on manufacturers and consumer focused companies tied to global trade.
With inflation pressures popping up across the US, Europe and Asia, it makes sense to focus on companies that still combine quality with reasonable prices using the 31 high quality undervalued stocks.
Top Movers
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United Therapeutics (UTHR) jumped 12.55% after a court ruling favored its patent claims in pulmonary hypertension treatment.
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Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) gained 5.17% after extending its exclusive S&P 500 Index options license through 2051.
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Synopsys (SNPS) rose 4.78% on new AI partnerships with OpenAI and Amazon focused on chip design workflows.
Is Synopsys still a smart investment or just hype? Read our most popular narrative and get all the answers you need.
Top Losers
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Jabil (JBL) fell 10.03% after earnings and fresh guidance prompted a sharp reset in expectations.
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Cerebras Systems (CBRS) declined 8.87% as traders reassessed recent enthusiasm around its AI hardware partnerships.
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Moderna (MRNA) dropped 5.35% after a Sell downgrade from Citi offset news of a new COO.
Look past the noise – uncover the top narrative that explains what truly matters for Cerebras Systems’ long-term success.
On The Radar
Earnings from Accenture and Nike share the spotlight today along with fresh readings on US inflation and global oil policy.
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Accenture (ACN) posts Q4 2026 results today before the market opens, providing an early look at global corporate tech and consulting budgets.
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Nike (NKE) reports Q1 2027 figures today after the close, with traders focused on forward guidance and expense discipline.
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US PCE inflation data for August arrives today, helping shape views on consumer spending trends and interest rate sensitive sectors.
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OPEC meeting on Sunday, October 4, may influence expectations for future oil supply decisions and energy related input costs.
