Market briefing – 22 October 2026

AI-generated briefing, fact-checked against the linked sources. Market levels refer to the morning of 22 October 2026.

Stockholmsvy med börsskärmar, svensk bank, telemast, avancerad chipproduktion, oljepris och AI-assistent.

1. Tech profits cannot offset oil back at $110

Strong results from Meta, SpaceX and Super Micro lifted Wall Street, but MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan slipped 0.2% and US equity futures fell. Brent rose 1.1% to $110.03 a barrel while the US 10-year yield traded near 5.11%. Source: Reuters.

Why it matters: Earnings strength is cushioning equities, but expensive energy and high yields continue to pressure valuations and inflation.

2. SEB misses forecasts and pauses buybacks

SEB’s net profit fell to SEK 7.50 billion from SEK 7.68 billion a year earlier, below the LSEG consensus of SEK 7.91 billion. The bank paused share buybacks because of continued loan growth and temporarily higher capital requirements. Source: Reuters.

Why it matters: Lower capital distributions may weigh on SEB shares and make the capital buffer more important than near-term earnings.

3. Telia raises its EBITDA outlook after a steady quarter

Telia increased revenue and operating profit in the third quarter, broadly in line with market expectations. The company also raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA outlook, reinforcing the case for better cost control after the recently announced savings programme. Source: MarketScreener.

Why it matters: A higher earnings outlook supports cash flow and dividends, but delivery of the new savings remains critical.

4. Besi’s AI orders nearly double

Chip-equipment maker Besi booked €342.6 million of orders, up 17% quarter on quarter and 96% from a year earlier, well above the €298 million forecast. Fourth-quarter revenue is still expected to be roughly flat as some customers shift deliveries into the first half of 2027. Source: Reuters.

Why it matters: The order book confirms demand for advanced AI-chip packaging, while delivery shifts show that investment timing remains uneven.

5. Anthropic launches a proactive AI agent

Anthropic has opened a research preview of Claude Duet, a standalone agent that monitors connected apps, summarises important developments and performs tasks for professionals and small businesses. Access initially requires a waitlist and a US Pro or Max subscription. Source: Reuters.

Why it matters: Competition is moving from chatbots to agents that work in the background, potentially reshaping software pricing and office work.