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Below are AI-generated insights on today's premarket moves, powered by MarketReader technology.

Wednesday, September 30

Noteworthy macro moves today: GBP/USD +0.5%. Nikkei 225 Index (Japan) +2.5%. US Dollar Index -0.3%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: AbbVie Inc (ABBV) +1.2%. JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM) +0.5%. Exxonmobil Holdings Corp (XOM) -0.4%.

Global equity indices are trading mixed today, with U.S. stocks higher while European markets are generally lower amid ongoing concerns about inflation and geopolitical tensions affecting energy prices. The Nikkei 225 in Japan has notably risen by approximately 2.5%, reflecting a rebound from previous losses, while the Hang Seng Index and China A50 have shown declines.

In the U.S., several key economic indicators were released this morning, including GDP growth for Q2 which came in at an annualized rate of 2.2%, significantly above the forecast of 1.5%. Additionally, personal spending rose by 0.9% in August, exceeding expectations of a 0.8% increase, indicating robust consumer activity despite rising inflation pressures.

The PCE Price Index data also showed year-over-year inflation at 3.4%, slightly below forecasts of 3.7%. Core PCE prices increased by only 0.2% month-over-month, missing expectations for a larger rise of 0.3%. These figures suggest persistent inflationary pressures that may influence future Federal Reserve policy decisions regarding interest rates.

In Europe, preliminary inflation data revealed Germany's annual rate at 3.3%, surpassing market expectations and highlighting ongoing price pressures driven by energy costs amidst geopolitical uncertainties related to the U.S.-Iran conflict and its impact on oil supply.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) [+1.7%]
The iShares MSCI Japan ETF is advancing in pre-market hours, supported by a substantial rise in the Nikkei Index, which gained 1.27k points, or 1.94%, reaching 66.75k. This increase is attributed to broader gains in the Japanese stock market, bolstered by positive investor sentiment following recent macroeconomic data indicating improved manufacturing activity. Additionally, UBS noted a shift in market positioning towards Value and Low Risk stocks, potentially enhancing interest in Japanese equities. The ETF's performance was aided by gains in key holdings such as Sony Group Corp, which is planning to phase out physical PlayStation discs by 2028 amid supply challenges for its PS5 Pro consoles. The asset is currently positioned near the upper end of its one-month trading range.

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) [-1.6%]
The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF is declining in pre-market trading, influenced by a 4.8% drop in South Korea's industrial production for August, which fell short of expectations and underscored ongoing economic challenges in the region. This decline in production could affect investor sentiment toward Korean equities. Additionally, rising oil prices amid uncertainties surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations may indirectly impact market conditions relevant to the fund. The fund's performance has also been affected by movements in its holdings, particularly declines in SKHY. The ETF is trading lower after experiencing fluctuations earlier in the session, reflecting a broader context within its recent trading range.

iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) [+1.4%]
Analysts raised price targets for Vale S.A., contributing to its upward movement, while Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras also advanced despite a recent pullback. The iShares MSCI Brazil ETF is gaining in pre-market trading, supported by these notable increases in several of its holdings. Other holdings within the fund did not have specific news affecting their performance. Broader economic indicators, including the ADP National Employment Report showing an increase of 90k jobs in September and rising inflation in Germany, may be influencing sentiment towards emerging markets like Brazil.

HOOD | +4.0% | +4.3B
Robinhood Markets Inc | Financials
Robinhood Markets Inc. advanced in pre-market trading following the launch of new trading features at its annual HOOD Summit. The company introduced Robinhood Agents, an AI-driven tool designed to help users analyze market trends and execute trades autonomously. Additionally, it announced a subscription marketplace for premium research and analytics from third-party providers and extended trading hours to include weekends for selected equities. Analysts view these developments as strategic moves to enhance customer engagement. Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its Buy rating and $134 price target, noting the potential for increased user engagement and trading activity. The stock is trading significantly higher, reflecting a reversal in momentum after five consecutive sessions of decline.

HPE | +5.0% | +4.2B
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | Information Technology
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co is advancing in pre-market trading following its Networking Investor Day, where the company raised its fiscal 2027 revenue growth outlook for the Networking segment to a range of high teens to low twenties percent. HPE also announced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for Data Center Networking revenue of low-to-high fifties percent through fiscal 2029. The company secured a $1.2 billion order from Vultr for its AMD Helios AI Rack systems, marking its first order for this platform. Additionally, HPE increased its target for annual run-rate savings from synergies with Juniper Networks to $800 million by the end of fiscal 2028. The stock is trading sharply higher since Tuesday's close, marking a notable rebound after three consecutive sessions that finished lower.

BA | +2.3% | +3.5B
Boeing Co | Industrials
Boeing Co. has secured a contract valued at over $20 billion from the U.S. Navy to develop the F/A-XX next-generation stealth fighter, marking its second major sixth-generation fighter program win in two years. This contract aims to replace the aging fleet of F/A-18 Super Hornets, with initial deliveries expected in the 2030s. Boeing's Defense CEO Steve Parker emphasized the company's readiness to execute this program, supported by investments in new manufacturing facilities. Following this announcement, Boeing shares are advancing in pre-market trading.

TTE | -1.3% | -2.6B
TotalEnergies SE | Energy
TotalEnergies SE shares have fallen to 73.50 EUR, reaching a nine-week low, the lowest level since July 2026. The decline occurs despite the stock gaining 0.76% over the past four weeks and increasing by 47.52% year-over-year. In pre-market trading, the shares are lower, continuing a trend of four consecutive sessions finishing down, with the current price significantly below its 20-day moving average.

J | +1.5% | +0.2B
Jacobs Solutions Inc | Industrials
Jacobs Solutions Inc has entered into a three-year software-as-a-service agreement with NVIDIA to implement its Data Center Digital Twin at a large-scale research and development facility in the United States. This platform, developed using NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, is designed to enhance operational planning and facility performance by integrating engineering models, operational technology, and live data. The digital twin solution will facilitate predictive use cases such as dynamic power load balancing and energy forecasting. Jacobs has previously worked with NVIDIA on advancing digital twin technology for AI infrastructure. In pre-market hours, the stock is trading higher since Tuesday's close, reflecting a notable upward shift in activity compared to the previous session.

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