US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Edge Higher On Mixed Global Growth Signals

The Morning Bull – US Market Morning Update Thursday, Sep, 24 2026

US stock futures are slightly higher this morning, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts up about 0.1%, as investors weigh stronger business activity overseas against softer readings at home. Fresh PMI data shows the euro area and UK both above the 50 line that marks growth, helped by manufacturing and services, though inflation pressures remain in the mix. In the US, the Richmond Fed reports weaker manufacturing in its region, hinting at cooler factory activity. The key question is whether resilient global demand offsets a softer US backdrop, which puts export focused industrials and interest rate sensitive sectors such as real estate in the spotlight.

With PMIs pointing to pockets of growth but softer confidence, it is a good time to scan for 31 resilient stocks with low risk scores that may hold up better if conditions remain uneven.

Top Movers

• Palo Alto Networks (PANW) surged 5.00% after Morgan Stanley lifted its price target and highlighted cybersecurity demand.
• CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) gained 4.97% as multiple brokers raised price targets tied to cloud and AI security demand.
• Okta (OKTA) climbed 4.45% following a Baird price target increase ahead of the 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

• Paychex (PAYX) fell 8.77% after Jefferies cut its price target, despite solid Q1 revenue and EPS figures.
• Expedia Group (EXPE) declined 7.72% as investors reacted to new legal claims tied to a Dominican Republic rental fire.
• 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

Consumer spending and wholesale demand take the spotlight today as fresh earnings intersect with global central bank signals.

• Costco Wholesale (COST) reports Q4 2026 today, providing an updated view of bulk retail traffic and membership trends.
• Darden Restaurants (DRI) posts Q1 2027 results before the market opens today, updating views on US dining traffic and menu pricing.
• TD SYNNEX (SNX) releases Q3 2026 results before the market opens today, highlighting enterprise hardware orders and IT services demand.
• Global PMIs and Richmond Fed data together frame how overseas strength compares with softer US factory and services readings.
• Bank of Japan minutes on Sunday outline thinking on rates and liquidity that can influence currency and global funding costs.

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Find Tomorrow’s Top Performers

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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