Meta (META), AMD, and Intel Power Nasdaq to All-Time High on AI Wave

Key Highlights

• Meta Platforms rallied more than 11% following Muse AI agent’s rapid ascent to the top of Apple’s App Store
• AMD achieved a historic $1 trillion market capitalization milestone with a 10% gain
• The Nasdaq Composite closed at an all-time high of 27,122.09 points
• Bitcoin climbed past $86,000, reaching its highest level in eight months and boosting cryptocurrency-related equities
• Investors are closely monitoring the forthcoming U.S.-China summit centered on trade relations and artificial intelligence

Shares of Meta Platforms rocketed higher by more than 11% during Monday’s trading session, fueled by impressive initial momentum for its recently launched Muse AI agent. Since its September 9 debut, Muse has rapidly ascended to claim the top position on Apple’s App Store, surpassing OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT application in total downloads.

Meta Platforms, Inc., META

Despite Amazon’s decision to restrict Muse’s access to its e-commerce platform, investor confidence remained robust. Meta simultaneously revealed intentions to construct a new subsea cable infrastructure linking the United States and France.

These developments precede Meta Connect 2026, slated for Wednesday through Thursday, where the technology giant is anticipated to unveil additional artificial intelligence innovations.

Semiconductor Sector Participates in Upward Momentum

AMD experienced a landmark trading session, advancing 10% and achieving the $1 trillion market capitalization threshold for the first time in company history. Intel similarly jumped 12% as market participants renewed their focus on artificial intelligence investments.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index posted a substantial 4.3% increase during the session. After spending much of September under selling pressure, the technology sector experienced a dramatic turnaround.

The Nasdaq Composite advanced 2.26% to establish a record closing level of 27,122.09 points. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 added 1.5% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7%.

Cryptocurrency Assets and Related Equities Gain Traction

Bitcoin surged beyond $86,000, marking its highest price point in eight months. This rally provided support for cryptocurrency-focused stocks such as Strategy and Coinbase.

The digital asset’s upward movement coincided with a broader return of risk appetite across financial markets. Declining oil prices combined with optimism surrounding potential U.S.-Iran diplomatic engagement encouraged investors to embrace higher-risk investments.

Brent crude oil temporarily dropped below the $100 per barrel threshold. President Trump indicated on Sunday his willingness to engage with Iran’s president during a United Nations gathering in New York.

Iran issued warnings about deploying “new weapons” in retaliation to any U.S. hostile actions, maintaining a degree of market uncertainty.

Focus Shifts to Upcoming U.S.-China Meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Thursday for what will mark his inaugural state visit during Trump’s second presidential term.

Discussions between the two nations are expected to address trade policies and artificial intelligence developments. Financial markets are particularly attentive to any potential extension of the current U.S.-China trade agreement, which is set to expire in November.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conducted preliminary meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York on Sunday to establish the framework for talks. Their discussions included proposals for establishing a bilateral AI notification mechanism between the two countries.

A distinguished group of technology and artificial intelligence executives will participate in a dinner event with Xi Jinping, featuring Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. Financial sector leaders from Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase are also anticipated to attend.

This high-level summit occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions initiated by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s recent essay raising questions about whether leading AI laboratories should consider decelerating their model development timelines.