Noteworthy S&P 500 Movers on Thursday

Advancers

1. Fair Isaac (FICO)
   Fair Isaac’s shares skyrocketed by 18% after the company announced an innovative strategy to sell its FICO consumer credit scores directly to firms involved in producing consolidated credit reports for mortgage lenders. This strategic move is seen as a pivot away from heavy reliance on the three large national credit bureaus. Consequently, the shares of these credit bureaus took a nosedive, with Equifax (EFX) plummeting by 8.5% and TransUnion (TRU) dropping nearly 11%.

2. Coinbase Global (COIN)
   With the resurgence of Bitcoin prices, shares of Coinbase Global surged 7.5%. This follows strong demand for cryptocurrencies, particularly as Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev spoke at a conference, highlighting the potential future impact of "tokenization" on global financial markets. Online brokerage Robinhood Markets (HOOD) also reported a 4.1% increase in shares, as investor enthusiasm for digital assets continues to grow.

3. Intel (INTC)
   Intel shares enjoyed a 3.8% rise following news that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is exploring a potential partnership to utilize Intel’s foundry services. This positive momentum for Intel, which has witnessed its stock value double since reaching its year-to-date low in April, is propelled by several strategic investments from key players like Nvidia and the U.S. government.

Decliners

1. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B)
   Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has confirmed a nearly $10 billion all-cash deal to acquire the petrochemical division of Occidental Petroleum (OXY), marking its largest acquisition since 2022. Despite this significant move, shares of Berkshire Hathaway showed fractional losses, while shares of Occidental Petroleum took a hit, falling 7.3%.

2. AES Corp. (AES)
   Shares of the renewable energy provider dwindled by 7%. This follows news of potential acquisition discussions involving BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners. AES had seen previous gains, which were now reversed amid fluctuating investor sentiment in the renewable energy sector.

3. Tesla (TSLA)
   Even with Tesla’s announcement of record third-quarter deliveries of 497,000 vehicles, shares declined by 5.1%. Analysts suggest that consumers may have accelerated their purchases in anticipation of the expiration of federal subsidies for electric vehicles, leading to a cautious investor reaction.

Apple Accelerates Its Focus on AI Glasses

Apple is intensifying its efforts to launch smart glasses intended to rival Meta Platforms’ offerings. Recent reports indicate that Apple has halted progress on its latest headset to allocate more resources towards developing these glasses, positioning them as crucial devices for accessing artificial intelligence. Apple’s new product aims to compete with Meta’s $800 smart glasses, with a projected timeline for the development of self-sufficient glasses incorporating speakers, cameras, and health-tracking features.

Market predictions suggest a promising future for this product category, with potential sales increasing significantly in the coming years, contingent on Apple’s ability to innovate effectively. Current analysts remain largely optimistic, believing that Apple’s hardware ecosystem is secure against competitors for at least the next couple of years.

Stellantis Stock Surges as Jeep Maker’s US Sales Rise for First Time in Two Years

Stellantis has reported a 6% increase in U.S. sales for the third quarter, driven primarily by demand for its popular Ram trucks and Jeeps. This marks the first quarterly sales rise in two years, signaling renewed consumer interest in the brand. Sales skyrocketed by 16% in September compared to last year, with executives expressing a commitment to maintaining this upward momentum.

The Job Market Is Slowing Down, Private Sector Data Shows

Recent data from private sector consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas indicates a stagnating job market, with a notable decrease in job cuts compared to August but contributing to overall cuts in the third quarter, the highest since 2020. Employers are predicted to add the least amount of jobs since 2009, with several factors including economic uncertainty and inflation affecting growth dynamics.

The ongoing federal government shutdown adds confusion to the labor market’s landscape as critical data release delays hamper economists and financial markets’ understanding of employment trends.

There’s New Tax Guidance on Bitcoin. Here’s Why That Matters.

Recent clarification from the U.S. Treasury and IRS states that paper profits and losses on digital assets will not trigger the 15% corporate alternative minimum tax, a significant relief for cryptocurrency firms. As Bitcoin prices rise, having recently crossed the $120,000 mark, companies such as Coinbase and MicroStrategy (MSTR) are benefiting, reflecting double-digit weekly gains.

This clarity comes at a pivotal moment for public companies with substantial digital holdings, enhancing market confidence as the cryptocurrency landscape evolves.

Coinbase, Other Cryptocurrency Stocks Surge Along With Bitcoin

Bitcoin experienced a 2% uptick, surpassing $120,000, prompting a surge in cryptocurrency-related stocks. Coinbase and other notable firms surged, highlighting the burgeoning interest in cryptocurrencies as market conditions harness positive momentum leading into the final trading hours.

Could AMD Make Intel’s Business as Hot as Its Stock?

Intel’s recent negotiations to become a manufacturing partner for AMD highlights a potential turnaround for the struggling chipmaker. After significant investments from industry giants, Intel’s stock has risen dramatically, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

Buffett’s Berkshire Is Making Its Biggest Acquisition in Years—What You Need to Know

Berkshire Hathaway’s acquisition of Occidental Petroleum’s petrochemical division represents a bold investment strategy that aligns with Warren Buffett’s historical pursuit of strong operating assets. The transaction has demonstrated a calculated move by Berkshire, emphasizing its strength and strategic foresight in turbulent market conditions.

Fair Isaac Stock Is Soaring. Credit Bureau Shares Are Dropping. Here’s Why.

The announcement of Fair Isaac’s FICO Direct Mortgage License Program led to a surge in its stock, while shares of Equifax and TransUnion fell, reflecting market dynamics influenced by innovative strategy shifts in the credit scoring industry.

Tesla Stock Is Down Today After Upbeat Deliveries News—And a Long Upward Run

Despite Tesla’s impressive delivery numbers, shares fell due to market adjustments following a significant upward trend in the company’s stock value. Investors remain cautious as broader economic signals emerge.

OpenAI Is World’s Top Startup With $500B Valuation After Employee Share Sale

OpenAI’s recent share sale elevates its valuation to $500 billion, positioning it as the world’s most valuable startup, thereby drawing significant interest from global investors amid a booming AI market. This capital infusion reflects the burning desire for exposure in the rapidly advancing AI sector.

Intel’s Stock Price Has Doubled Since Hitting Its 2025 Low—Watch These Key Levels

Intel’s resurgence in stock value showcases the company’s gradual recovery amidst external investments and strategic partnerships. The stock’s performance has excited investors, accompanied by positive market signals in the semiconductor sector.

Nike Stock Continues Post-Earnings Surge

Nike’s impressive fiscal first-quarter results have driven a notable increase in investor confidence, leading to substantial gains in stock performance. The company’s trajectory suggests a potential return to stronger market footing.

Education Department Restarts Student Loan Forgiveness Process

The restart of the student loan forgiveness process signifies a positive development for borrowers who have made qualifying payments under income-driven repayment plans, reflecting ongoing government efforts to ease financial burdens.

Government Shutdown Leaves Fed Without Data at Crucial Moment

The ongoing federal government shutdown impacts the availability of vital economic data, complicating the Federal Reserve’s ability to formulate informed monetary policy during significant economic turbulence.