The Morning Bull – US Market Morning Update Thursday, Sep, 24 2026
US market futures are pointing slightly higher this morning, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts up 0.1%. The main fuel is stronger European activity data. The Eurozone Composite PMI sits at 53.1, a three and a half year high that signals businesses are busier, which can support global demand for US manufacturers and tech suppliers. At the same time, higher input costs across Europe and the UK, driven by fuel and wider energy pressures, hint that inflation is still a concern. Investors now face a clear question: Do they lean toward growth exposed sectors like technology and industrials, or stay closer to defensives such as utilities and real estate that often feel interest rate and cost pressures more directly?
With inflation pressure flickering across Europe and fuel costs biting into margins, it can help to focus on 31 resilient stocks with low risk scores, which may handle choppy conditions with a steadier profile.
Top Movers
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Palo Alto Networks (PANW) jumped 5.00% after Morgan Stanley lifted its price target and highlighted cybersecurity demand.
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CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) climbed 4.97% as analysts raised price targets and emphasized its AI focused cybersecurity platform.
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Okta (OKTA) gained 4.45% following a price target increase ahead of its Oktane 2026 conference.
Is Palo Alto Networks still a smart investment or just hype? Read our most popular narrative and get all the answers you need.
Top Losers
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Paychex (PAYX) fell 8.77% after earnings and guidance, as mixed segment trends drew cautious reactions.
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Expedia Group (EXPE) declined 7.72% following a new lawsuit tied to a fatal Dominican Republic vacation rental fire.
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Airbnb (ABNB) dropped 7.56%.
Look past the noise – uncover the top narrative that explains what truly matters for Expedia Group’s long-term success.
On The Radar
Retail earnings and a fresh read on Japan’s policy stance give investors a focused set of catalysts over the next few sessions.
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Costco Wholesale (COST) reports Q4 2026 today, with shoppers’ resilience and membership trends likely in sharp focus.
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Darden Restaurants (DRI) posts Q1 2027 results before the market opens today, spotlighting traffic trends and menu pricing power.
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TD SYNNEX (SNX) releases Q3 2026 earnings before the market opens today, with attention on IT hardware demand and corporate spending plans.
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Bank of Japan minutes arrive on Sunday, providing a detailed look at rate discussions and global yield implications.
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