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Today's Top Business/Market Headlines — October 29, 2026

Big Tech Earnings Rock Markets
Alphabet sank 10% as it held 2026 capex unchanged while expecting a significant increase in 2027, disappointing investors despite otherwise strong results. Meanwhile, Microsoft rallied 4.5% after hours as Azure growth accelerated to 48%, while Alphabet tanked as an earnings miss overshadowed Google Cloud revenue more than doubling to $30.71 billion. Samsung Electronics also reported third-quarter profit in line with estimates amid rising demand for AI memory chips.

Fed Holds Rates Steady
The Fed held rates in a 10-2 vote with two officials backing a hike, while Warsh announced fewer rate-setting meetings from 2027 and traders priced in a December move. This followed a decision to keep its target interest rate range unchanged at 3.75% to 4% at the conclusion of its October meeting.

Wall Street Reaction
Despite the Alphabet selloff, broader markets held up: major US benchmarks were up for a third straight session, with the S&P 500 up 0.28%, Nasdaq up 0.27%, Dow up 0.19%, and Russell 2000 up 0.41%. CNBC also noted the S&P 500 and Dow rose for a third consecutive day after the Fed held steady on rates.

Corporate Earnings Roundup

•FedEx beat expectations and raised its outlook in its first report since a calendar adjustment.

•Chipotle's earnings missed, but same-store sales grew for a third straight quarter.

•Ford reported mixed third-quarter results, saying 2027 earnings will be in line with this year.

•An American budget airline reported a 71% jump in airfare.

•Stellantis stock rose 13% as the automaker's turnaround plan and cost cuts gained traction.

•Visa reported stronger-than-expected Q4 results with $12.14 billion in revenue and $3.48 earnings per share, driven by increased payment volumes and consumer spending.

Tech & Legal News

•Apple is set to unveil its first touchscreen MacBooks at a Los Angeles event, marking a shift from its traditional stance on touchscreens for laptops.

•Meta Platforms faces a trial in Los Angeles over allegations that its addiction-designed features caused serious mental health issues in teenagers.

•Amazon's Leo satellite unit saw its $11.57 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

•JetBlue denied engaging in creditor talks or debt restructuring despite concerns over its distressed bond market.

Global Markets Watch
Asian markets were mixed, with reports that China tech stocks plunged as AI trade cracks deepen, raising questions about whether Wall Street could be next. In India, the stock market was expected to remain volatile as investors assessed the Fed's decision alongside elevated crude oil prices and rupee movements.

What to Watch Today
Freddie Mac is set to release Q3 earnings, as the company plans to report its Third Quarter 2026 financial results before U.S. markets open on October 29, 2026, with a public webcast at 9 am ET.

Citations (13)

1cnbc.comNews and mediaquality 0.85
Stock Markets, Business News, Financials, Earnings - CNBC
Source excerpt: “## Alphabet sinks 10% as it holds 2026 capex unchanged, expects significant increase in 2027 - As Waymo expands overseas, it remains a niche cash-burn...”
evidence, home page. Claim: Alphabet sank 10% as it held 2026 capex unchanged while expecting a significant increase in 2027.
2marketindex.com.auNot yet classified
ASX 200 Live Today - Thursday, 29th October
Source excerpt: “- **Major US benchmarks up for a third straight session,** with stocks holding up amid a catalyst rich session featuring the Fed and mega cap tech ear...”
statistic, article. Claim: Major US benchmarks were up for a third straight session, with index gains for the S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow and Russell 2000.
3goodreturns.inNot yet classified
Stock Market Outlook Today, October 29, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Likely To Remain Range-Bound After Fed Decision - Goodreturns
Source excerpt: “The Federal Reserve kept its target interest rate range unchanged at 3.75% to 4% at the conclusion of its October meeting. ”
statistic, article. Claim: The Fed kept its target interest rate range unchanged at 3.75% to 4% at its October meeting.
4cnbc.comNews and mediaquality 0.85
International Business, World News & Global Stock Market Analysis
Source excerpt: “## Alphabet sinks 10% as it holds 2026 capex unchanged, expects significant increase in 2027 - S&P 500, Dow rise for third consecutive day after Fed h...”
evidence, home page. Claim: S&P 500 and Dow rose for a third consecutive day after the Fed held steady on rates.
5cnbc.comNews and mediaquality 0.85
Business News
Source excerpt: “# Business News FedEx beats expectations, raises outlook in first report since calendar adjustment FedEx beats expectations, raises outlook in first ...”
evidence, home page. Claim: FedEx beat expectations and raised its outlook in its first report since a calendar adjustment.
6marketscreener.comNews and media
Global markets live: Visa, Meta, Amazon, Apple, JetBlue…
Source excerpt: “# Global markets live: Visa, Meta, Amazon, Apple, JetBlue… ## North America: - Visa reports stronger-than-expected Q4 results with $12.14 billion in r...”
statistic, article. Claim: Visa reported stronger-than-expected Q4 results with $12.14 billion in revenue and $3.48 EPS.
7marketscreener.comNews and media
Global markets live: Visa, Meta, Amazon, Apple, JetBlue…
Source excerpt: “- Apple is set to unveil its first touchscreen MacBooks in a Los Angeles event, marking a shift from its traditional stance on touchscreens for laptop...”
evidence, article. Claim: Apple is set to unveil its first touchscreen MacBooks at a Los Angeles event.
8marketscreener.comNews and media
Global markets live: Visa, Meta, Amazon, Apple, JetBlue…
Source excerpt: “- Meta Platforms faces a trial in Los Angeles over allegations that its addiction-designed features caused serious mental health issues in teenagers. ”
evidence, article. Claim: Meta faces a Los Angeles trial over allegations its addiction-designed features harmed teenagers' mental health.
9marketscreener.comNews and media
Global markets live: Visa, Meta, Amazon, Apple, JetBlue…
Source excerpt: “- Amazon Leo's $11.57 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. ”
statistic, article. Claim: FCC approved Amazon Leo's $11.57 billion acquisition of Globalstar.
10marketscreener.comNews and media
Global markets live: Visa, Meta, Amazon, Apple, JetBlue…
Source excerpt: “- JetBlue denies engaging in creditor talks or debt restructuring despite concerns over its distressed bond market.”
evidence, article. Claim: JetBlue denied engaging in creditor talks or debt restructuring despite distressed bond market concerns.
11investinglive.comNot yet classified
Economic and event calendar in Asia Thursday, October 29, 2026
Source excerpt: “- Flávio Bolsonaro reportedly flees Brazil for the US after election loss - Gold tests its 100-hour moving average as buyers look for more control - ...”
background, article. Claim: Asian markets were mixed and China tech stocks reportedly plunged amid AI trade concerns.
12goodreturns.inNot yet classified
Stock Market Outlook Today, October 29, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Likely To Remain Range-Bound After Fed Decision - Goodreturns
Source excerpt: “The Indian stock market is likely to remain volatile on Thursday, October 29, as investors assess the US Federal Reserve's latest policy decision alon...”
evidence, article. Claim: Indian stock market expected to remain volatile as investors assess the Fed decision, crude oil prices and rupee movements.
13scanx.tradeNot yet classified
Freddie Mac Q3FY26 Results: Earnings release scheduled for October 29, 2026
Source excerpt: “# Freddie Mac Q3FY26 Results: Earnings release scheduled for October 29, 2026 - Freddie Mac plans to report Q3FY26 results before market open on Octob...”
evidence, article. Claim: Freddie Mac plans to report Q3 2026 results before U.S. markets open on October 29.