Nasdaq Taps Fresh Record as Major Indexes Trade Mixed

Crude prices are heading lower for a fifth session

Emma Duncan

Managing Editor

Sep 22, 2026 at 11:56 AM

The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is comfortably higher midday, earlier tapping a fresh record high. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is fighting to maintain the flatline, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) suffers a steep, triple-digit deficit. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil was last seen down 0.9%, back below $95 and eyeing its fifth-straight session lower as investors await updates regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

A new weight-loss drug rival has entered the scene.
Fresh investment move dings blockchain stock.
Plus, bulls fly toward LUV; upgrade gives EAT a boost; and insurance stock heading for a sixth-straight drop.

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Southwest Airlines Inc (NASDAQ:LUV) is trading 1.7% higher at $42.44 this afternoon, enjoying the broader airline sector surge as crude prices continue to fall. LUV has moved back above the year-to-date breakeven level and is now headed for a fourth-straight daily pop. Options traders are swarming as well, with 29,000 calls across the tape so far, 11 times the average intraday volume. The weekly 9/25 44-strike call and the October 42.50 put are the most popular, with sell-to-open activity present at the former.

Restaurant umbrella Brinker International Inc (NYSE:EAT) is an outperformer on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, up 5.9% at $212.17, after landing an upgrade to "buy" from "neutral" at Northcoast Research. The analyst highlighted brand momentum for the company's Chili's chain and broader margin expansion. EAT has climbed 48% in 2026, this past Friday bouncing off support at the ascending 80-day moving average.

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Insurance stock Allstate Corp (NYSE:ALL) is extending its recent slide, last seen down 3% at $235.44. While the catalyst remains unclear, ALL is on track for a sixth-straight daily loss, this past week dragging itself back below its quarter-to-date breakeven mark. The shares remain 13% higher in 2026, however.

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