Happy Monday! October is here, ushering in one of the strongest months of the year for tech stocks. Dive into the seasonal trend that has delivered big gains, and explore five stocks that have significantly outperformed during this time.

Also, for the first time in nearly 30 years, key economic reports are missing, and the Fed is being forced to make a major policy decision without them. Read on to see why the market is charging ahead with confidence that the Fed will still cut rates at the end of the month.

Plus, if you’re looking for a strategic way to invest in metals driving AI, EVs and the energy transition, check out today’s sponsor.

In Today's Edition

• MARKET RECAP

• MARKET HEATMAP

• FIVE ZINGERS

• MARKET HISTORY

• ONE FOR THE ROAD

Why Tech Rallies In October: 5 Stocks With Strong Seasonal Edge

As the leaves turn, so too does the momentum behind tech stocks: October has historically delivered outsized gains for the sector, and this year appears no different.

However, some individual stocks take it even further.

We’ve identified five tech names that consistently surge in October — and the numbers aren’t subtle. Which stocks make the cut? Read on to see the list and why now may be the time to act.

Moving Beyond Gold: What Investors Should Know About Sprott’s Latest METL ETF

The rise of AI, data centers and electric vehicles is fueling unprecedented demand for critical minerals. Yet mining faces steep hurdles, from capital overruns and environmental controversies to geopolitical choke points. To help investors navigate this volatile landscape, Sprott launched the Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL). The fund’s strategy combines rigorous financial modeling with extensive management meetings and on-the-ground site visits, aiming to identify miners with real staying power. To learn more about how the METL ETF can offer key exposure to the energy transition, click here.

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Last Week: U.S. indexes ended mixed on Friday, with the S&P 500 pulling back from record highs, but still logging weekly gains. The Dow and Russell 2000 outperformed on the day, rising 0.5% and 0.7%, while the S&P 500 was flat and the Nasdaq was down nearly 0.3%. Earlier in the session, all major indexes had touched new all-time highs before pulling back. For the week, the Nasdaq was up the most at 1.3%, while the S&P 500 and Dow each gained about 1.1%. A continued U.S. government shutdown led to a blackout of key economic data, including the September jobs report, limiting visibility ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October meeting. The current data pause removes a source of market volatility, but also leaves policymakers with less information to guide future rate decisions. Will the Fed cut rates in the dark?

On Our Radar: There’s not much going on today, with the only notable event being a speech later this evening from Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid. On the earnings front, all eyes will be on McCormick & Company (MKC), which will report results before the market opens on Tuesday.

Shares of Humana (HUM), Cigna (CI) and Constellation Energy (CEG) were the S&P 500’s top gainers, while Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Palantir (PLTR) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) were the biggest losers. But those weren’t the only companies making big moves. Here’s a look at some of the biggest winners and losers on Friday.

Discover how the market is moving with our interactive heatmap. Filter by market cap, or click on any box to explore specific sectors or assets in more detail.

Where Fintech’s Future Takes Shape

The 11th annual Benzinga Fintech Day & Awards is where ideas become deals. Join top-tier VCs, tech founders and decision-makers from leading financial institutions on November 10, 2025, in NYC. Explore key topics like 24/5 trading, bridging digital assets and equities and the future of retail investing. From speed networking to 1:1 investor meetings, this is where fintech conversations drive action — and results. Celebrate innovation, spark partnerships and shape what's next.

On This Day In 2008…

The U.S. stock market began what would become the worst week for the Dow Jones Industrial Average on both a points and percentage basis. That week, the index plummeted 1,874 points (18.2%), as panic over the deepening global financial crisis reached a fever pitch. The collapse of Lehman Brothers just weeks earlier had sent shockwaves throughout the financial system, and despite government interventions like the $700 billion TARP bailout package, investor confidence was rapidly eroding due to fears of a full-scale economic collapse.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Wise investors won't try to outsmart the market.“

— Jack Bogle

Government Shutdown Blocks Jobs Data: Will The Fed Cut Rates In The Dark?

Interpreting economic data is challenging on a good day, and even harder when crucial reports go missing.

For the first time in nearly three decades, a critical piece of the economic puzzle — the monthly jobs report — is missing, thanks to a government shutdown. Yet, despite the lack of fresh labor data, markets are placing near-total confidence in another Fed rate cut later this month. So how is the central bank expected to set policy when flying blind?

Read on to see what will drive the Fed’s decision-making in the dark, and why this could be the most pivotal decision of the year.

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