Markets ended the week with a mix of corporate developments, economic data, and breaking news shaping investor sentiment.
Tesla shares’ sharp rebound, weakening US consumer confidence, the capture of a high-profile murder suspect, Gemini’s upcoming stock debut, and fresh moves in US equities all made headlines Friday.
Tesla stock surges on optimism
Tesla shares climbed more than 7% on Friday, reversing recent weakness and signaling renewed investor confidence despite ongoing concerns over sluggish vehicle sales and stretched valuations.
The rally also comes as Chief Executive Elon Musk shifts strategic focus toward artificial intelligence and robotics, raising questions about the company’s long-term direction.
Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm publicly defended Musk’s leadership in a Bloomberg TV interview, calling him a “generational leader.”
Denholm noted that while Musk may not remain CEO indefinitely, the board has considered alternative roles, such as chief product officer, under a proposed compensation package potentially worth $1 trillion.
The plan, announced last week, is set for a shareholder vote in November.
US consumer confidence weakens
US consumer sentiment fell for a second consecutive month in September, highlighting growing household concerns about economic conditions.
The University of Michigan’s preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to 55.4 from 58.2 in August, below market expectations of 58.
The decline reflects a 4.8% month-over-month drop, partially reversing summer gains.
Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers, said households remain worried about business conditions, labor markets, and inflation.
Reports of personal finances also eased, with both current and expected measures declining by about 8%.
Suspect arrested in Charlie Kirk murder
Authorities announced Friday that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this week.
President Donald Trump confirmed the arrest during a Fox News segment.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington County, Utah, was taken into custody following a manhunt that included the release of security footage and a public appeal for assistance.
Robinson had been living with his family in southern Utah.
Gemini makes splashy Nasdaq debut
In a milestone for the digital asset sector, Gemini is set to list on the Nasdaq following a heavily oversubscribed initial public offering.
The cryptocurrency exchange raised $425 million at $28 per share, pricing its IPO above earlier expectations.
Founded in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Gemini’s strong investor demand underscores rising confidence in established players within the crypto space.
The offering was oversubscribed by 20 times, highlighting robust institutional and retail interest ahead of the listing.
US markets close mixed
U.S. equities ended the week with a mixed performance as investors assessed economic signals ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision next week.
The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.4% and hit a new high, led by Tesla’s sharp gains.
The S&P 500 fell 0.05%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 273 points, or 0.6%.
Market participants interpreted weakening labor data and softer inflation trends as signs that the Fed may cut interest rates in the near term.
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