ETF Proxies Close Higher as Fed Decision and Big Tech Earnings Loom
Broad-market ETF proxies finished the October 26 session higher, led by the Nasdaq-100 proxy (QQQ) at +1.11%, with the S&P 500 proxy (SPY) up 0.71%. Headlines in the packet point to a Federal Reserve decision this week that is widely expected to leave rates unchanged, and quarterly reports due from Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon. Note that this brief uses ETF proxies, not the underlying indices, and one news feed was unavailable when the packet was assembled.
Key takeaways
- ETF proxy closes for Oct 26: SPY 765.37 (+0.71%), QQQ 712.20 (+1.11%), DIA 522.97 (+0.31%), IWM 276.99 (+0.45%). These are fund prices, not index levels.
- Gains were broad but tilted toward large-cap tech, based on the proxy spread between QQQ and DIA. The packet contains no evidence explaining the move.
- CNBC reports the Fed is expected to hold its overnight rate steady at the conclusion of its October meeting this week.
- Several packet headlines center on scrutiny of AI-related valuations, AI financing costs and the upcoming Anthropic IPO; these are commentary and reporting, not confirmed market outcomes.
- Data quality note: the brief is flagged degraded. 208 tickers lacked a prior-session close and were excluded from movers, and the Yahoo Finance feed was unavailable.
Some inputs were unavailable for this brief.
- Polygon: 208 tickers without a prior-session close were excluded.
- RSS Yahoo Finance: feed unavailable, timed out, or invalid.
Markets
| Ticker and name | Change | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SPYS&P 500 ETF proxy | +0.71% | $765.37 |
| QQQNasdaq-100 ETF proxy | +1.11% | $712.20 |
| DIADow Jones ETF proxy | +0.31% | $522.97 |
| IWMRussell 2000 ETF proxy | +0.45% | $276.99 |
Indices shown via ETF proxies.
Fed expected to stand pat at October meeting
CNBC reports the Federal Reserve is expected to keep its overnight rate unchanged when its October meeting concludes this week. A separate MarketWatch column argues that tighter, costlier AI financing could strengthen the case for fewer rate hikes; that is opinion, not a policy signal.
Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon results due
MarketWatch reports that Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon are preparing to report quarterly results, with attention on workforce reductions alongside AI capital spending. The packet does not include any results or figures from those companies.
AI trade draws valuation scrutiny ahead of Anthropic listing
CNBC reports that Anthropic's planned IPO is taking on added significance with the AI trade described as sputtering and interest rates rising, while MarketWatch cites UBS strategist Michel Lerner arguing higher rates may force AI stocks back toward conventional valuation math. Both pieces are analysis; the packet contains no pricing or filing details for the offering.
FTC and 20 states sue Dollar General over pricing
The Federal Trade Commission and 20 states filed a lawsuit against Dollar General alleging the retailer charged customers more than advertised prices, CNBC reports. The packet includes no company response or share-price reaction.
Top movers
US session of 2026-10-26. Close-to-close change. Prices in USD.
Gainers
| Ticker and name | Change | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GCTKGCTK | +99.65% | $1.61 |
| CLROCLRO | +52.92% | $4.97 |
| SGRYSGRY | +47.62% | $23.25 |
| EAFEAF | +25.15% | $10.65 |
| VEEAVEEA | +23.33% | $6.08 |
| XTNDXTND | +23.16% | $2.18 |
| RENTRENT | +22.61% | $2.82 |
| LUCDLUCD | +21.82% | $0.50 |
| MKDWMKDW | +20.53% | $0.42 |
| RPDRPD | +20.25% | $17.93 |
Losers
| Ticker and name | Change | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AXGAXG | −99.50% | $0.05 |
| BRZLBRZL | −59.66% | $17.42 |
| XXIIXXII | −55.29% | $0.09 |
| XPXP | −48.36% | $15.71 |
| GME.WSGME.WS | −42.48% | $0.37 |
| BRAIBRAI | −40.28% | $2.12 |
| BRZUBRZU | −39.44% | $78.20 |
| AGBKAGBK | −37.60% | $4.73 |
| PICSPICS | −36.38% | $8.78 |
| BAKBAK | −35.29% | $1.10 |
Sources
- My wife cried when I found out she had only $80,000 in her 401(k). I have $2.2 million. Am I wrong to be shocked? · MarketWatch
- Why SoFi’s stock is soaring after earnings · MarketWatch
- Here’s the question three tech-sector earnings reports raise about the future of AI · MarketWatch
- ‘Just watch Judge Judy’: I’m in my 70s. Why do people keep making the same avoidable financial mistakes? · MarketWatch
- Why reported Khamenei call for end to ‘neither war nor peace’ moved markets — a bit · MarketWatch
- AI debt trouble could help Fed’s Warsh get his way with fewer rate hikes · MarketWatch
- Big Tech’s earnings are on deck. There’s more for investors to watch than AI spending. · MarketWatch
- A leading Silicon Valley cheerleader just showed all the reasons to be worried about the AI bubble · MarketWatch
- AI stocks haven’t played by the normal valuation rules. Now that rates are higher, they may have to, says UBS · MarketWatch
- Options traders are seizing control of the S&P 500 · MarketWatch
- Judge fast-tracks DOJ's Alaska Senate lawsuit as Peltola seeks dismissal before Election Day · CNBC
- From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, Anthropic IPO poised to have massive 'trickle-down effect' · CNBC
- Israeli election draws tens of thousands of citizens flying back to vote · CNBC
- Jim Cramer warns this overlooked danger could threaten the market rally · CNBC
- As AI becomes more fractured, one names stands out: AMD · CNBC
- Federal Reserve is likely to hold interest rates steady in October. Here's what that means for consumers · CNBC
- FTC and 20 states sue Dollar General, alleging retailer overcharged shoppers · CNBC
AIK MARKET UPDATE is for information only and is not financial advice. It is generated automatically and may contain errors.