tl;dr
On September 26, 2025, U.S. markets rallied as Electronic Arts skyrocketed on $50B buyout buzz, while Costco slumped over weak sales. Mixed economic data and corporate moves dominated headlines, with Intel, Boeing, and Paccar also seeing major swings.
On September 26, 2025, U.S. equity markets showed resilience as the S&P 500 closed higher for the first time in three days, buoyed by mixed economic signals and corporate news. Electronic Arts (EA) emerged as the standout performer, surging nearly 15% after reports indicated a potential $50 billion leveraged buyout deal involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and private equity firm Silver Lake. The proposed transaction, which could become the largest of its kind, sparked optimism among investors, despite the absence of an official announcement. Meanwhile, Costco (COST) faced headwinds, with shares dropping nearly 3% following a fiscal fourth-quarter report that highlighted softer-than-expected U.S. same-store sales growth, attributed to cautious consumer spending and fierce competition.
The broader market benefited from a key inflation gauge aligning with expectations, easing concerns about further Federal Reserve rate hikes. The S&P 500 gained 0.6%, the Dow Jones added 0.7%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.4%. Beyond EA and Costco, other sectors saw notable movements. Intel (INTC) climbed 4.4% as whispers of potential partnerships with TSMC and Apple intensified, while Boeing (BA) edged up 3.6% after the FAA granted limited approval for 737 Max and 787 certifications, a step toward resuming normal operations. Paccar (PCAR), a truck manufacturer, surged over 5% amid speculation that tariffs on imports could spur domestic demand.
However, not all stocks fared well. Oracle (ORCL) fell 2.7% after analysts at Rothschild Redburn downgraded the stock to “sell,” citing overvaluation of its cloud division. eBay (EBAY) edged lower despite recent strong earnings, as the company’s acquisition of Norway-based Tise failed to offset broader market volatility.
The day’s moves underscored the interplay of corporate strategies, macroeconomic factors, and geopolitical developments. While EA’s rally reflected investor appetite for consolidation in the gaming sector, Costco’s struggles highlighted the challenges of navigating a cautious consumer base. As markets await further clarity on interest rates and trade policies, investors remain vigilant, balancing optimism about corporate deals with concerns over economic headwinds.