US Equity Markets End Higher Amid Rally Led by SpaceX, Super Micro Following Better-Than-Expected Quarterly Results

04:12 PM EDT, 10/21/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US equity indexes were higher Wednesday amid a rally led by Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX) and Super Micro Computer's (SMCI) stock following better-than-expected quarterly results. * Six of the top 10 stocks in a category with market capitalization exceeding $200 billion were from the technology sector, according to data compiled by Finviz. SpaceX topped this list of mega-caps, gaining about 7.8%, the top gainer on the Nasdaq. * Mortgage applications fell 5.3% in the week ended Oct. 16 amid declines in refinancing activity and new home applications, while borrowers whistled past the first drop in 30-year fixed mortgage rates in two months, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. * December West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell $0.27 to $97.55 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $0.75 at $109.54. * Super Micro Computer's shares rose roughly 9.6%, the second-best performer on the S&P 500, after the company reported preliminary fiscal Q1 revenue and margin results above expectations late Tuesday. * AT&T (T) shares fell about 6.4%, the steepest decline on the S&P 500, after the company's postpaid phone subscriber growth missed projections, overshadowing a raised full-year earnings outlook and stronger-than-expected Q3 results.