American International Group (NYSE:AIG) – AIG has appointed Keith Walsh as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective October 21. Walsh brings over 20 years of experience, having been CFO at Marsh and an equity analyst at Citi. He will succeed Sabra Purtill and report to CEO Peter Zaffino.
Progyny (NASDAQ:PGNY) – Progyny announced that a “significant” client, responsible for around 670,000 members and 12% of its revenue in the first half of the year, will terminate its service contract as of January 1. Despite this, Progyny maintains expectations of membership growth in 2025. Shares fell 23.9% in pre-market trading after closing down -1.5% on Wednesday.
Exicure (NASDAQ:XCUR) – Exicure received an extension for its Nasdaq listing, conditional on proving it meets all applicable criteria by November 14. The biotech company recently regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1 last week. Shares surged over 190% in pre-market trading, priced at $6.57, after closing up 3.6% on Wednesday.
Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) – Alibaba is releasing over 100 of its language models to the open-source community, marking a significant advance in artificial intelligence. The initiative includes models from the Qwen 2.5 series, covering language, audio, and vision. The announcement was made during Alibaba Cloud’s annual event in Hangzhou. Shares rose 4.2% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.3% on Wednesday.
Moody’s (NYSE:MCO), Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB), First Citizens (NASDAQ:FCNCA), Regions Financial (NYSE:RF), Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:HBAN) – Moody’s upgraded the debt outlook for Fifth Third Bancorp, First Citizens, Regions Financial, and Huntington Bancshares from negative to stable, citing stronger balance sheets. The improvement reflects enhanced capital and liquidity positions, despite challenges from high deposit costs. First Citizens’ acquisitions also received praise.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – Microsoft President Brad Smith warned of increased foreign interference in U.S. elections in the 48 hours before voting. He referenced lessons from Slovakia’s election, where a fake audio circulated before the vote. Microsoft identified manipulated videos from Russian groups, while tech executives highlighted AI’s role in creating disinformation. Shares rose 1.5% in pre-market trading after closing down -1.0% on Wednesday.
OpenAI, Coursera (NYSE:COUR) – OpenAI has hired Leah Belsky, a former Coursera executive, as its first general manager of education. She will lead efforts to integrate the company’s products into schools and universities, as well as work on academic partnerships. Belsky will focus on engaging educators and students, promoting responsible AI use in education. Shares closed down -4.1% on Wednesday.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) – The EU General Court upheld an antitrust fine of €238.7 million against Qualcomm, slightly reduced from €242 million. The European Commission imposed the penalty in 2019, claiming Qualcomm sold chipsets below cost to undercut Icera. Qualcomm argued that its market share was too small to exclude competitors. Shares rose 2.5% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.2% on Wednesday.
Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) – Analog Devices and India’s Tata Group have signed an agreement to explore semiconductor manufacturing in India. Tata Electronics, investing $14 billion in plants in Gujarat and Assam, is seeking to produce Analog’s semiconductors. The deal supports India’s initiative to bolster its chip industry, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) – Google offered to sell its AdX advertising marketplace to resolve an EU antitrust investigation, but European publishers rejected the proposal as insufficient. They want Google to divest more assets to avoid conflicts of interest in the advertising supply chain. Meanwhile, YouTube and Shopee announced an online shopping service in Indonesia, with plans to expand across Southeast Asia in response to growing competition from TikTok. The service will allow users to purchase products seen on YouTube through Shopee. The service will also expand to Thailand and Vietnam soon. Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary, is in talks with Hyundai to outsource manufacturing of its autonomous vehicles using the Ioniq 5 model. The discussions follow high tariffs on Chinese imports as Waymo continues to validate its autonomous driving technology. Hyundai has not confirmed new deals. Alphabet shares rose 1.7% in pre-market trading, while Sea shares rose 2.4%.
EQT (NYSE:EQT) – EQT and its shareholders plan to sell Open Systems, a network and cybersecurity provider, to Swiss Post. Since EQT acquired Open Systems in 2017, revenue has nearly doubled, and profits have significantly increased. The sale is expected to close in Q4 2024, pending regulatory approvals. Shares rose 0.8% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.8% on Wednesday.
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – Amazon will raise the wages of its U.S. fulfillment and transportation staff by at least $1.50 per hour, with total spending exceeding $2.2 billion. Base wages will increase from $22 to over $29 per hour, including benefits, and will be accompanied by free Prime memberships. Shares rose 1.7% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.2% on Wednesday.
X – X, formerly Twitter, bypassed Brazil’s ban by updating its structure to use Cloudflare IP addresses, making it harder to block the platform, which unexpectedly returned for Brazilian users. The company stated the restored access is “temporary” and hopes to resolve the situation with the government. The Brazilian Supreme Court continues to monitor the issue.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Meta Platforms had a lawsuit dismissed, which accused it of misleading shareholders by concealing the impact of Apple’s privacy changes on its ads. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also dismissed allegations of misused resources by former COO Sheryl Sandberg and the transition to Reels. The court ruled that there were no securities law violations. Additionally, Meta agreed to buy up to 3.9 million carbon offset credits from BTG Pactual through 2038 without disclosing the deal’s value. The transaction, valued at up to $16 million, aims to help Meta achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. The credits come from reforestation projects in Latin America. Shares rose 1.8% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.3% on Wednesday.
Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJT) – Trump Media & Technology Group shares fell 3.22% on Wednesday after a CNBC poll showed economists and strategists expect Kamala Harris to win November’s presidential election against Donald Trump. The survey had only 27 respondents. Shares rose 0.8% in pre-market trading.
Playtika (NASDAQ:PLTK) – Playtika announced the acquisition of SuperPlay for up to $1.95 billion, including $700 million upfront and up to $1.25 billion based on financial targets. The transaction, expected to close in Q4, will unite games like Bingo Blitz and Dice Dreams.
GameStop (NYSE:GME) – GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen agreed to pay nearly $1 million to settle a U.S. Federal Trade Commission allegation. He failed to disclose his purchase of more than $100 million in Wells Fargo shares in 2018, violating notification requirements. Cohen also interacted with the bank’s management and sought a board seat. He reported the transactions to the FTC in 2021. Shares rose 1.8% in pre-market trading after closing down -2.5% on Wednesday.
T-Mobile (NASDAQ:TMUS) – T-Mobile announced it expects adjusted free cash flow between $18 billion and $19 billion by 2027 during its event in San Francisco. The company projects strong growth due to customer additions and partnerships with Nvidia and OpenAI. Additionally, it plans to return up to $50 billion to shareholders by 2027. Shares rose 0.5% in pre-market trading after closing down -3.0% on Wednesday.
Car-Mart (NASDAQ:CRMT) – Car-Mart is planning a $65 million stock sale through an underwritten public offering. The company stated that the proceeds would be used to pay down the balance on its revolving credit line and for general corporate expenses.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Elon Musk supports Donald Trump in the presidential race, but employees at his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, are donating more to rival Kamala Harris. Contributions to Harris total $42,824, while Trump received $24,840. This reflects a political divide between Musk and his staff. Shares rose 2.8% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.3% on Wednesday.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) – Starting this month, General Motors EV customers can use Tesla’s Superchargers following an agreement between Mary Barra and Elon Musk. GM model owners can access Tesla’s 17,800 chargers with a $225 adapter. From 2026, new GM vehicles will have standard charging ports. Shares rose 1.6% in pre-market trading after closing up 2.4% on Wednesday.
Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – The United Auto Workers (UAW) is threatening strikes against Stellantis, accusing the company of breaking contractual promises. Last year’s strike cost Stellantis about $834 million. The UAW seeks to resolve issues such as investment delays and possible changes to Dodge Durango production. Shares rose 4.2% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.7% on Wednesday.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F) – The United Auto Workers (UAW) has set a strike deadline for Ford’s tool and die unit at the River Rouge Complex, with a walkout planned for September 26 if contract issues like job security and pay parity are not resolved. Ford expressed willingness to negotiate. Shares rose 2.0% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.7% on Wednesday.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) – Boeing will grant temporary leaves to U.S. workers to save money during the ongoing strike. CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that many employees, including executives, will be affected. Ortberg and other executives will take pay cuts. The union seeks a 40% wage increase, while Boeing offers 25%. The China Development Bank Financial Leasing ordered 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, helping the manufacturer amid a drop in Chinese orders. This is the largest order from a Chinese customer since 2015, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2031. Shares rose 1.3% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.8% on Wednesday.
BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) – BHP has halted plans to back two new nickel trading platforms aimed at challenging the London Metal Exchange due to a suspension of its operations in Western Australia. This hindered the platforms’ ability to compete, as they relied on BHP’s nickel supply. Both initiatives are now seeking other supply sources. Shares rose 4.1% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.8% on Wednesday.
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) – JPMorgan Chase created a new role to oversee its junior bankers and analysts, aiming to combat overwork on Wall Street. Ryland McClendon was named global associate of investment banking and will lead initiatives to promote employee well-being. Shares rose 1.2% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.8% on Wednesday.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) – A team of financial advisors from Morgan Stanley managing nearly $1.8 billion in assets has left the firm to join Wells Fargo’s independent brokerage unit, known as FiNet. The group, now called Verismo Financial, seeks greater independence to better serve its clients. Shares closed down -0.5% on Wednesday.
HSBC Holdings (NYSE:HSBC) – HSBC cut its prime lending rate in Hong Kong from 5.875% to 5.625%, its first reduction since 2019. The move, followed by other major banks, reflects U.S. Federal Reserve policy and may ease borrowing costs but will pressure profit margins. Shares rose 1.3% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.5% on Wednesday.
Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS) – The Bank of Nova Scotia has appointed Jean-Francois Courville as president of its Quebec operations, aiming to expand in the province. Starting November 12, he will report to Aris Bogdaneris and focus on growth in retail, wealth management, and capital markets.
Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC) – Truist Financial announced it would cut its prime lending rate by 0.50%, bringing it down to 8% starting Thursday, aligning with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts. Shares rose 1.9% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.3% on Wednesday.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX) – Blackstone views Asia as a strategic growth area, with strong activity in India, Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In India, where it holds $50 billion in investments, it stands out for complex transactions. Additionally, talks are progressing to sell a stake in VFS Global, valued at around $7 billion. Shares rose 1.1% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.1% on Wednesday.
Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) – Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano stated that the company is monitoring whether high-income consumers will continue to cut back on travel spending in the third quarter. While they prioritize travel, there was a slight drop in auxiliary spending, such as food and spa services, in the second quarter. Capuano will assess whether this trend is temporary.
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) – AMC noteholders have sued the company, alleging that the July restructuring deal harmed their rights. They claim essential guarantees were removed, prioritizing less senior creditors. The lawsuit seeks to restore priority rights over transferred assets. AMC used the deal to reduce debt and extend maturities. Shares rose 1.1% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.8% on Wednesday.
Steelcase (NYSE:SCS) – Steelcase issued third-quarter sales forecasts below expectations, citing weak demand from large clients and in China. The company expects sales of $785 million to $810 million, compared to estimates of $812 million, and adjusted earnings per share between 21 cents and 25 cents, versus FactSet’s forecast of 23 cents. Second-quarter net income was $63.1 million, exceeding the prior year. Shares fell 8.9% in pre-market trading after closing up 0.7% on Wednesday.
GSK (NYSE:GSK) – GSK announced a settlement in two California lawsuits related to Zantac, a discontinued heartburn medication allegedly linked to cancer, but admitted no liability. The company faces thousands of lawsuits, particularly in Delaware, where a judge allowed the cases to proceed, resulting in an appeal. Shares rose 0.9% in pre-market trading after closing down -0.3% on Wednesday.
Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) – Hims & Hers announced it would offer compounded versions of the drug Wegovy for $99 per month to military personnel, teachers, nurses, and first responders. The company also offers semaglutide injections for $199 in 12-month plans. The move aims to make weight loss treatments more affordable. Shares rose 3.4% in pre-market trading after closing up 1.3% on Wednesday.