Meta Connect 2026: How Muse AI Turns Zuckerberg's Keynote into a Stock Catalyst

Meta Platforms stock (ISIN: US30303M1027) closed on September 22, 2026 on the Nasdaq at $741.25 and posted a daily gain of 11.43 percent – the strongest increase since April 2025, according to CNBC. Trading volume reached 48.72 million shares, significantly exceeding normal levels. During the trading session, the stock moved between $679.60 and $753.00.

Muse AI as primary price driver

Market observers cite strong adoption of the new AI assistant Muse and rising expectations around Meta's AI business as the trigger for the rally. The Muse agent – an AI assistant designed to function across Meta's entire device ecosystem – has reportedly already won partners, fueling revenue speculation among investors.

Compared to the broader market, Meta significantly outperformed: while Meta stock gained 11.43 percent, the Nasdaq Composite rose only 0.45 percent on the same trading day to 27,244.28 points. The closing price was $49.55 below the 52-week high of $790.80 and $220.99 above the 52-week low of $520.26.

Analysts raise price targets significantly

Investment bank Jefferies raised its price target for Meta on September 22, 2026 from $710 to $875 and confirmed its buy recommendation. Cantor Fitzgerald followed suit on September 23 and raised its price target to $860, maintaining an "Overweight" rating.

The rally also had personal implications: CEO Mark Zuckerberg's wealth increased by $25 billion due to the stock movement on a single day.

Meta Connect 2026: Keynote on September 23 at 4 p.m. PT

The two-day developer conference Meta Connect 2026 began on September 23, 2026 in Menlo Park and ran through September 24. CEO Mark Zuckerberg's keynote took place at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Zuckerberg explained how Muse functions across Meta's entire device ecosystem and unveiled, among other things, new voice and computer control features for Muse, shopping partnerships with Shopify and Walmart, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, and a VR headset announced for spring 2027.

Beyond Muse, the following topics were expected at the keynote:

• Meta's comprehensive AI product vision and technology roadmap
• Developments in AI technology
• AI glasses and potential new headsets
• Virtual reality and Meta Horizon
• XR ecosystem developments

Timing as strategic advantage

The announcement of Muse came strategically just before Meta Connect 2026, creating a natural catalyst setup for the stock. The event served as an immediate company-specific impetus for the following U.S. trading session, particularly against the backdrop of the stock movements already underway.

Analysts had characterized the keynote in advance as an opportunity for Zuckerberg to build on the momentum created and demonstrate Meta's broader product vision and technology roadmap. The Muse agent is being viewed as a potential new AI variable for Meta – an additional revenue stream alongside established advertising businesses.

Assessment for investors in German-speaking countries

For retail investors in German-speaking markets purchasing Meta shares via European exchanges, the September 22 price jump represents a significant appreciation of their positions. Meta stock trades on German exchanges in euros, whereby currency fluctuations can have additional effects.

The new analyst price targets of $860 to $875 imply upside potential of approximately 16 to 18 percent compared to the September 22 closing price. However, these forecasts represent assessments by individual investment banks, not guaranteed expectations. Actual price development depends significantly on how well Muse establishes itself in the market and whether Meta can deliver on its revenue promises.

It remains to be seen whether the product offensive shown at the keynote translates into solid figures on Muse's market penetration, or whether expectations are for now based solely on company communications.