Stock market news — Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Meta ordered to pay $25 billion penalty in New Mexico Cambridge Analytica case

Meta to pay $25 billion in penalties related to Cambridge Analytica scandal in New Mexico.

Meta ordered to pay New Mexico $25 billion over Cambridge Analytica breach

A judge on Wednesday ordered Meta to pay New Mexico $25 billion after a jury found the company liable for deceiving users about privacy and content moderation policies on Facebook. Judge Francis Mathew handed down the amount, which…

Musk backs SpaceX-Tesla merger idea as both boards form special committees

Elon Musk said on SpaceX's (SPCX) third quarter earnings call late Tuesday that he thinks merging the company with Tesla (TSLA) would be a good idea and revealed that both companies have formed special committees to study a deal.

Tesla Earnings Mixed, FSD Revenue Strong; Elon Musk Looms (Live Coverage)

Tesla earnings beat views after hours. Investor focus will be on Elon Musk, SpaceX merger buzz, robotaxis and more. Tesla is near a buy point.

Judge orders Meta to pay $25 billion to New Mexico for violations of state law

A district judge in Santa Fe on Wednesday ordered Meta Platforms to pay $25 billion to New Mexico for violations of a state consumer protection law, court records show. A Santa Fe jury found in September that the social media giant…

SpaceX stock jumps 10% after earnings beat and Musk hints at Tesla tie-up

SpaceX shares jumped after the company reported surging revenue growth in its third quarter, and owner Elon Musk floated a potential SpaceX-Tesla merger.

Musk floats SpaceX-Tesla merger with 30,000 Bitcoin

Elon Musk said SpaceX and Tesla are exploring a merger that would combine the two companies and their more than 30,000 bitcoin. Both have formed special committees to weigh the deal, though Musk says he can't take part because of his…

SpaceX, Tesla shares rise after Musk says committees exploring possible merger

Meta reports third-quarter revenue beat and issues strong guidance

Follow Meta's Q3 2026 earnings live, including revenue, EPS, AI spending, advertising growth, guidance and META stock reaction.

Tesla beats on earnings and sales even as auto revenue declines

Tesla reported better-than-expected third-quarter results.

Tesla’s stock falls as Elon Musk leaves investors wanting more

SpaceX merger commentary is arguably the biggest thing on the minds of Tesla investors right now — and Musk had nothing new to offer on Wednesday.

Fortuna targets deeper Lindero pit after gold hits

“Broad intersections strengthen the case for including below-pit material in a revised pit and reserve estimate,” National Bank analyst said.

Meta’s stock rises as investors glimpse an opportunity that could dwarf the ad business

Meta’s core advertising business delivered a strong quarter, but investors are eyeing promising new businesses around the Muse personal assistant

Lithium’s $100B question: Who will build 134 new mines?

BMI forecasts lithium demand will more than triple by 2050, requiring a massive mining expansion to meet EV growth.

CoreWeave’s market confidence erodes as bond yields spike and stock sinks

CoreWeave shares are down 29% in October, and the spreads in its credit default swaps are widening.

Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: Meta Platforms, Tesla, Lam Research, IBM & more

Here are some of the companies making headlines in extended trading.

IBM beats on top and bottom lines as CEO Krishna touts 'Super Intelligence' traction

CEO Arvind Krishna indicated that IBM is helping clients in artificial intelligence.

Trump denies ordering Starlink slowdown in Ukraine, says he doesn't know who did

Asked if Elon Musk ordered the slowdown, Trump said, "I don't know who did it, but I was not involved."

Why investors should be skeptical of a potential Tesla-SpaceX merger

Wall Street is all abuzz over a possible merger between Tesla and SpaceX. But there is a high probability that such a merger would be a bad idea.

Trump says data centers should generate their own electricity — but experts say only states can mandate that

The president’s statement comes as a voter backlash against the facilities intensifies ahead of the midterm elections.

US Department of Energy grants $42M for gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to New York

Constitution Pipeline project will transport natural gas to markets across the Northeast that currently experience limited access to the fuel.

Why Danaher Stock Bounced Higher Today

The conglomerate posted its latest set of quarterly earnings that morning.

META Stock Jumps 3% After-Hours After Q3 Revenue Beats Expectations, With A Narrowed AI Capex Outlook And New Non-Voting Class C Stock

"Our AI investments are paying off," CEO Zuckerberg said.

SpaceX Tesla Merger: Elon Musk Just Called it a Good Idea

A SpaceX-Tesla merger is officially under discussion. Whether it makes sense for shareholders will come down to the price and the terms.

Stock Market Today, Oct. 21: Super Micro Computer Raises Full-Year Revenue Guidance on Strong AI Demand

The server maker raised its outlook to between $18.5 billion and $19.5 billion and signaled margin expansion.

Dow Jones Futures: Meta, Tesla Are Earnings Movers Late After SpaceX, Super Micro Lead Bullish Nasdaq Move

The Nasdaq moved above its 50-day line, led by SpaceX and SuperMicro. Tesla and Meta headlined big earnings late.

Meta Stock Climbs After Q3 Results Beat Expectations, Adding To Muse AI Momentum

Meta stock is in focus for investors after the Facebook parent company reported third-quarter earnings.

Think It's Too Risky to Invest in the Stock Market Right Now? History Says Waiting Is Even Riskier.

When is the right time to invest? As soon as possible.

Why is Rollins stock sliding today?

Nvidia Aims To Speed Deployment Of AI Factories

Nvidia introduced a reference design for an AI data center packed into a box about the size of a standard shipping container.

Oil is now flowing out of the Persian Gulf like before the Iran war. Why prices may still not come down anytime soon.

Oil flows out of the Persian Gulf in October nearly returned to levels seen before the start of the Iran war, but traders remain wary about a fragile recovery.

TSLA Stock Trades Flat After Hours Following Drop In Q3 Revenue, Earnings, And Heavy AI Spending

The electric-vehicle maker posted revenue of $28.0 billion, compared to an analyst estimate of $28.3 billion, and adjusted earnings of $0.48 per share, against an expected EPS of $0.45, for the period ended September 30.

Stock Market Today, Oct. 21: AT&T Beats Earnings on Strong Fiber Growth, Raises 2026 Profit Outlook

Today, Oct. 21, 2026, the telecom giant posted record internet additions and advanced connectivity gains, signaling momentum in its capital-intensive fiber strategy.

Tesla Earnings Mixed, FSD Revenue Strong; Elon Musk Looms (Live Coverage)

Tesla earnings beat views after hours. Investor focus will be on Elon Musk, SpaceX merger buzz, robotaxis and more. Tesla is near a buy point.

Stock Market Today, Oct. 21: Netflix Cuts Ad Revenue Guidance, Stock Slides 5%

On Oct. 21, 2026, Netflix slashed ad guidance and Q4 revenue outlook, leaving investors questioning whether advertising can reaccelerate growth.

Southwest Airlines cuts 2026 profit forecast on higher fuel

Southwest Airlines became the third major U.S. airline this month to cut its 2026 profit forecast due to higher fuel prices.

Bank of America names Jim Fitterling and Bill Thomas to board of directors

Mattel adds top shareholder EdgePoint Investment’s executive to board

Tesla posts surprise positive cash flow on lower-than-expected AI spending

Wheat Pressure Continues on Wednesday with Black Sea News

The wheat complex is trading lower on Black Sea news at midday on Wednesday. Chicago SRW contracts are slipping 15 to 16 lower on Tuesday. KC HRW futures are falling 17 to 18 1/4 cents at midday. MPLS spring wheat is down 9 to 10 1/4…

Did SpaceX Just Save CoreWeave, Nebius, and the Neocloud Sector?

SpaceX's AI business is booming. Here's what it means for the neocloud sector.

Circus Q3 2026: AI Robotics Fleet Scales Across Europe as Ecosystem and Operations Reach Maturity

MUNICH, GERMANY - October 21, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Circus SE (WKN: A2YN35 / ISIN: DE000A2YN355 / XETRA: CA1), a German Physical AI company developing civilian and defence applications, today published key highlights from its Q3 2026…

Who’s Really Making Money on Leveraged ETFs? Ripple Wants In

Leveraged ETFs charge a management fee you can see on the fact sheet, but a second party quietly collects a separate financing fee. A familiar name from the crypto world just bought its way into that hidden revenue stream.

Meta Beat On EPS If You Ignore The Court Fees

A $9.89 billion legal settlement in New Mexico hid a clean beat for Meta in Q3.

New Mexico AG lawsuit accuses Epstein's attorney and accountant of facilitating sex trafficking

Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn allegedly helped finance and conceal Epstein's sex trafficking, which included abuse at his Zorro Ranch, a lawsuit says.

Why is International Business Machines stock surging today?

Crude Oil Prices Rally After Close on US State Department Warning

December WTI crude oil (CLZ26 ) closed down -0.67 (-0.68%) on Wednesday, and December RBOB gasoline (RBZ26 ) closed down -0.0051 (-1.7%). Crude oil prices closed lower on Wednesday, but then rallied shortly after the close, with crude…

‘I don’t feel sorry for myself’: I’m 64 and will be renting for the rest of my life. Is that so bad?

“I married a wonderful man with a good income. He left his job due to health issues and suffered a massive stroke at 53.”

S&P Global Warns Hormuz Energy Shock Could Become a Global Food Crisis

The world’s ongoing energy crisis is quickly turning into a global food security crisis. Ongoing conflict between some of the world’s most prominent economies on two major fronts – Russia’s war in Ukraine and the United States’ and…

7 healthcare stocks that stand out as investors pay up for the sector

Investors have pushed the healthcare sector to a record high, and some favored stocks have high projected revenue growth rates through 2028.

Tesla Third-Quarter Earnings Top Views as Automotive, Energy Generation Sales Decline

Tesla (TSLA) reported better-than-expected third-quarter adjusted earnings, while revenue slipped du

Trump-aligned super PACs pour millions into once-safe GOP House seats

Trump-aligned PACs are pouring hundreds of millions into House and Senate races as Republicans defend an expanding midterm election battleground map.

Coffee Prices Buffeted by ICE Inventory Fluctuations

December arabica coffee (KCZ26 ) on Wednesday closed up +4.85 (+1.56%), while November ICE robusta coffee (RMX26 ) closed down -58 (-1.70%). Arabica coffee prices rallied on Wednesday, reversing Tuesday’s -1.39% decline that was driven…

Cocoa Prices Continue Higher on Smaller Deliveries from the Ivory Coast

December ICE NY cocoa (CCZ26 ) on Wednesday closed up +42 (+0.72%), and December ICE London cocoa #7 (CAZ26 ) closed up +40 (+0.93%). Cocoa prices moved higher for a third day on Wednesday amid signs of smaller cocoa supplies from the…

Sugar Prices Continue to Sag From Last Week’s Contract High

March NY world sugar #11 (SBH27 ) is down -0.08 (-0.39%), and December London ICE white sugar #5 (SWZ26 ) is down -3.40 (-0.62%). March NY world sugar prices today fell for a fourth day on some continued long liquidation pressure after…

Nat-Gas Prices Fall to 5-week Low on Warm Forecasts

November Nymex natural gas (NGX26 ) on Wednesday closed down -0.173 (-5.84%). Nov nat-gas prices on Wednesday tumbled to a contract low and a 5-week nearest-futures low as technical selling accelerated with the breakout to new downside…

Starlink access in Ukraine a decision for Musk, not White House, Rubio says

TSX 2026 outlook: energy and financials lead, but risks remain

Stocks See Support from Positive AI News

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX ) (SPY ) is up +0.24%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI ) (DIA ) is up +0.05%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX ) (QQQ ) is up +0.69%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ26 ) are up +0.15%, and December E-mini…

Why is Pinnacle Financial Partners stock slipping today?

Southwest tops quarterly profit estimates on higher fares, fees

Government websites go dark after AI-discovered flaw sparks security scramble

American Water Works Now #333 Largest Company, Surpassing Quest Diagnostics

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, American Water Works Co, Inc. (Symbol: AWK) has taken over the #333 spot from Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (Symbol: DGX), according to…

Align Technology Takes Over #479 Spot From Insulet

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, Align Technology Inc (Symbol: ALGN) has taken over the #479 spot from Insulet Corp (Symbol: PODD), according to The Online…

Henry Schein Moves Up In Market Cap Rank, Passing Federal Realty Investment Trust

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, Henry Schein Inc (Symbol: HSIC) has taken over the #488 spot from Federal Realty Investment Trust (Symbol: FRT), according to The…

Lennox International Moves Up In Market Cap Rank, Passing Bio-Techne

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, Lennox International Inc (Symbol: LII) has taken over the #464 spot from Bio-Techne Corp (Symbol: TECH), according to The Online…

Relative Strength Alert For Intrepid Potash

Legendary investor Warren Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. One way we can try to measure the level of fear in a given stock is through a technical analysis indicator called the…

UDR Now #474 Largest Company, Surpassing Clorox

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, UDR Inc (Symbol: UDR) has taken over the #474 spot from Clorox Co (Symbol: CLX), according to The Online Investor. Market…