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Stock of the Week
Week of September 21–25, 2026 | U.S. Markets
Top Performer: Meta Platforms (META)
Weekly Gain: +16.8%
Meta Platforms surged this week as investors rallied behind the company’s new consumer AI agent, Meta Muse, which sparked renewed enthusiasm for its artificial intelligence strategy. The stock led mega-cap tech gains and helped push the Nasdaq to fresh record highs.
Why it mattered:
Meta’s AI agent Muse generated strong consumer and investor interest, signaling potential new revenue streams beyond advertising.
The rally contributed to a 2% weekly gain for the Nasdaq and a 1.2% rise in the S&P 500.
Information Technology was the top-performing S&P 500 sector, up 3.1% for the week.
Honorable Mentions
Moderna (MRNA) +29.08%
Moderna topped Morningstar’s weekly performance list, rising nearly 30% and extending a remarkable 222% gain over the past three months. The biotech firm continues to benefit from strong pipeline developments and renewed investor confidence in its mRNA platform.
Qualcomm (QCOM) +13.47%
Qualcomm climbed as part of the broader AI chip rally, with shares up over 9% early in the week and finishing with a 13.47% weekly gain. The company’s exposure to AI-enabled devices and 5G infrastructure continues to attract institutional interest.
Intel (INTC) +12% (Monday surge)
Intel led Monday’s tech rally with a 12% jump, driven by optimism around its foundry strategy and AI chip roadmap. While some gains moderated later in the week, Intel remains a key beneficiary of the renewed semiconductor enthusiasm.
Datadog (DDOG) +16.61%
Datadog was the second-best performer among Morningstar-covered stocks, rising 16.61% as cloud monitoring and observability demand accelerated alongside AI infrastructure spending.
Notable Laggard
Gen Digital (GEN) –25.47%
Gen Digital was the worst-performing stock of the week among major U.S. names, falling 25.47% amid concerns over cybersecurity spending trends and competitive pressures.
Market Context
S&P 500: +1.2% for the week, closing at 7,743.41
Nasdaq Composite: +2.0%, hitting record highs
Dow Jones: +0.3%, ending a volatile week in positive territory
Sector Leaders: Information Technology (+3.1%), Communication Services (boosted by Meta)
Treasury yields retreated from recent highs, and oil prices dropped to an 11-day low, providing a favorable backdrop for growth stocks.
Watchlist for Next Week
AI Infrastructure: AMD, NVDA, AVGO
Biotech Momentum: MRNA, REGN, BMRN
Cloud & Cybersecurity: DDOG, CRWD, ZS
Data sourced from Morningstar, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, and Zacks as of September 25, 2026.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in securities involves risk, including the potential loss of principal; always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
