Meta shares surge 36% in September on Muse AI demand, nearing $2 trillion value

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Meta Platforms Inc. shares have jumped 36% in September, putting the company on pace for its best month since July 2013 and on the cusp of a $2 trillion market valuation. The rally follows the release of its Muse personal AI assistant, which quickly topped app charts and eased investor concerns about heavy AI spending. The stock's rebound marks a sharp reversal from mid-August, when it was down 18% for the year.
Key Facts
- Meta shares are up 36% in September, on track for their best month since July 2013.
- The company is approaching a $2 trillion market valuation, which would place it among an elite group of companies.
- Meta agreed late last month to pay as much as $18 billion to settle a social-media lawsuit, removing a major overhang for the stock.
- Since Aug. 18, Meta is the third-best performer in the S&P 500 with a 43% gain.
- Meta announced partnerships with Instacart-owner Maplebear Inc. and online travel agency Expedia Inc.
Muse AI Catalyst
The release of Meta's Muse personal AI assistant has driven the stock's September surge, with the app quickly rising to the top of app charts. Muse has muffled concerns that Meta's heavy spending on AI won't pay off, according to Rob Biederman, co-founder and managing partner at Asymmetric Capital Partners. Biederman said Muse clearly validates Meta's AI strategy and position after a year and a half of flat stock performance. He added that AI agents becoming the front door to the internet would put the balance of power in Meta's favor.
Stock Reversal
Less than six weeks ago, Meta shares were down 18% for the year following a disappointing revenue forecast in late July. Through Aug. 18, Meta ranked among the 50 worst performers in the S&P 500. Since then, Meta has gained 43% and become the third-best performer in the benchmark index. The recovery began after Meta agreed to pay as much as $18 billion to settle a social-media lawsuit late last month.
Product Announcements
At an event on Wednesday, Meta unveiled a palm-sized gadget for using Muse and camera-free versions of its smart-glasses lineup. Analysts praised the new products, which also include a lightweight $1,299 VR headset that looks like glasses. Meta has announced a grocery-selling partnership with Instacart-owner Maplebear Inc. and one with online travel agency Expedia Inc.