As the S&P 500 wrapped up a losing September, CNBC TV’s producers monitored the final trading day of the month and outlined what to expect as the fourth quarter of 2026 begins. Here’s a look at the market indicators and company news likely to influence Thursday’s session.
The Nasdaq Composite has gained 15.6% year to date but remains 1.6% below its recent high. The Russell 2000 is up 12.7% YTD, though it sits 9% off its August peak. The S&P 500 has risen 11.8% year to date, down 2% from its high. The NYSE Composite is up 6.8% YTD, but 5.5% below its August high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has increased nearly 6% YTD, yet is 7% below its peak.
.IXIC YTD mountain The Nasdaq Composite in 2026
Nordic American Tankers CEO Herbjorn Hansson is scheduled to appear on “Morning Call” with Morgan Brennan at 5 a.m. Thursday. The stock has surged nearly 43% over the past three months but is down 5% from its high earlier this month.
McCormick & Company will report earnings live on “Squawk Box.” The stock has declined about 8% in the last three months and is 36% below its February high. McCormick, headquartered in Maryland, is renowned for Old Bay seasoning, a popular choice for steak, fish, chicken, and fries.
MKC 3M mountain McCormick in the past three months
Nike is set to report live on “Closing Bell: Overtime.” The stock has fallen almost 14% since its last report and is down 4% from its high a year ago, trading at a 52-week low.
Other stocks at 52-week lows include Deckers, which is down 36% from its February high; Las Vegas Sands, down 46% from its December high; McDonald’s, down 32% from its March high; and VICI Properties, down 30% from its October high. SBA Communications and Crown Castle International are both down 30% from their respective peaks.
On the defensive side, CrowdStrike hit a 52-week high on Wednesday, up 21% in the past month. Palo Alto Networks also reached a 52-week high, gaining 16.5% over three months. Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with its security programs, has risen 22% in the last month.
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