US Markets Update (Sept 30): Corning Secures $3 Billion AT&T Deal as Optical Communications Rally

US stocks saw a slight decline as long-term bond yields remained elevated, with the 10-year Treasury yield peaking above 5.29%. While New York Fed President John Williams suggested the Fed has time to evaluate data before further rate hikes, market sentiment remains cautious. Corning signed a multi-year agreement worth over $3 billion to supply AT&T with fiber and cable, boosting the optical communications sector. Meanwhile, Meta introduced AI agents for small businesses, and recent data showed a decline in US consumer confidence alongside lower-than-expected JOLTS job openings.