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

Friday, September 18

Noteworthy macro moves today: USD/JPY +1.1%. Copper +3.2%. US 2Y Treasury Bond Index -0.1%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: Intel Corp (INTC) +3.0%. Alphabet Inc (GOOG) +2.2%. ASML Holding NV (ASMLF) +2.0%.

Global equity indices are trading mixed, with Asian markets generally higher while European indices are lower. The Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng have shown gains, reflecting positive sentiment from a rally on Wall Street and easing oil prices, which have helped alleviate inflation concerns.

In the U.K., retail sales data released today showed a month-on-month increase of 0.5% for August, significantly above the forecast of -0.2%, indicating stronger consumer spending than anticipated. Year-over-year retail sales also rose to 2.4%, exceeding expectations of 1.9%, further supporting optimism about economic recovery in the region.

Germany's producer price index (PPI) rose by 4.6% year-on-year in August, surpassing forecasts of 4.1% and marking the fastest increase since April 2023, driven by rising costs in intermediate goods. This uptick in producer prices may contribute to ongoing inflationary pressures across Europe.

In Canada, the New Housing Price Index fell by 0.1% for August, matching previous levels but indicating potential weakness in the housing market amidst broader economic uncertainties.

iShares Silver Trust (SLV) [+2.5%]
Ongoing concerns over inflation and a recent interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan are supporting an increase in silver prices. The iShares Silver Trust is advancing in pre-market hours, continuing its upward trajectory since Thursday's close. This movement aligns with a slight increase in gold prices, which historically correlate with silver. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's decision to halt crude oil shipments to European refiners may be contributing to volatility in energy markets. Silver has shown strength against its 20-day moving average.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) [-1.4%]
The iShares MSCI Japan ETF is experiencing a decline in pre-market trading, following the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its policy rate at 1.25%. The National Core Consumer Price Index for August showed a year-over-year increase, falling short of expectations. Additionally, the month-over-month Consumer Price Index rose by only 0.1%, significantly lower than the previous figure. Notable declines among key holdings, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sony Group Corp, have further pressured the ETF's performance. The fund has been trading lower since Thursday's close, with a notable drop in pre-market hours.

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) [-1.0%]
The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF is experiencing a decline in pre-market trading, driven by significant downward movements in key holdings such as WF and KEP, despite some gains in SKM and SKHY. Technology stocks within the fund are particularly weak, reflecting concerns over sector demand, with SK Telecom Co Ltd seeing only a slight increase that remains below its recent averages. This overall trend has contributed to the fund's lower performance. In broader market news, Saudi Arabia announced that European refiners will not receive crude oil shipments next month, and the Bank of Japan raised its key benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.25 percent, developments that may impact market conditions relevant to the fund.

GOOGL | +2.1% | +90.6B
Alphabet Inc | Communication Services
Tigress Financial Partners has reaffirmed a Strong Buy rating on Alphabet Inc. and raised its price target to $485, citing the company's entry into a new phase of AI-driven growth. This report, published today, emphasizes Alphabet's positive outlook in the market. Additionally, GOOGL's Waymo plans to launch an autonomous ride-hailing service in Singapore by 2028, marking its first foray into Southeast Asia with an initial fleet of electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. Despite this expansion, current market focus remains on Alphabet's cloud and AI capabilities. In pre-market trading, the stock is advancing, having broken out of its 200-day moving average base and surpassed its 55-day moving average.

GOOG | +2.1% | +89.5B
Alphabet Inc | Communication Services
Alphabet Inc. announced that its self-driving subsidiary, Waymo, will introduce an autonomous, all-electric ride-hailing service in Singapore by 2028, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia. The initial fleet will feature all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, with a public launch planned for after manual driving in 2027 to acclimate to local conditions. This development is supported by the Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Authority. Additionally, Tigress Financial reaffirmed its Strong Buy rating on Alphabet and raised its price target to $485. Following these announcements, the stock is trading higher in pre-market hours, reflecting positive sentiment around the company's prospects.

NFLX | -3.3% | -10.0B
Netflix Inc | Communication Services
Wells Fargo downgraded Netflix to Underweight from Equal Weight, lowering its price target to $57 from $80, citing concerns over engagement trends and a weaker original content slate for the second half of 2026. The firm noted expectations for a 21% year-over-year decline in hours viewed for Netflix's top 100 originals. Following this downgrade, Netflix shares are trading significantly lower in pre-market hours, continuing a trend of declines after four consecutive sessions of lower closes.

NUE | -2.7% | -1.6B
Nucor Corp | Materials
Nucor Corp announced its third-quarter earnings guidance, projecting a range of $5.55 to $5.65 per share, significantly up from $2.63 per share in the same quarter last year. However, the outlook indicates a decline in earnings from the raw materials segment due to lower pricing and shipments, falling short of analyst consensus estimates of $6.20 per share. Following the announcement, Nucor's shares declined in after-hours trading, and in pre-market hours, the stock is trading lower as market concerns persist. The company is set to release its third-quarter earnings on October 26.

STLD | -2.1% | -0.7B
Steel Dynamics Inc | Materials
Steel Dynamics, Inc. issued third-quarter earnings guidance today, projecting earnings per share between $5.34 and $5.38, which is significantly higher than the prior year's $2.74 and the second-quarter earnings of $3.69. The company anticipates improved profitability from steel operations due to metal margin expansion and record shipments driven by strong customer order activity. However, shares declined in overnight trading as this guidance fell short of the consensus estimate of $5.60 per share. In pre-market hours, the stock is trading lower compared to Thursday's close, reflecting a notable drop from earlier fluctuations that saw it decline by nearly 4.5% overnight before settling at a 2% decrease. The company plans to release its third-quarter earnings on October 19, 2026.

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