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

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

Muse AI as primary stock driver

Market observers cite strong market adoption of the new AI assistant Muse and increased expectations for Meta's AI business as triggers for the stock rally. The Muse agent – an AI assistant designed to work across Meta's entire device ecosystem – has already secured partners according to reports, fueling investor revenue expectations.

Meta significantly outperformed the broader market: while Meta stock gained 11.43 percent, the Nasdaq Composite on the same trading day rose only 0.45 percent 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 sharply raise price targets

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 on September 23 and raised its price target to $860, maintaining an "Overweight" rating.

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

Meta Connect 2026: Keynote today at 4 p.m. PT

The two-day developer conference Meta Connect 2026 began today, September 23, 2026, in Menlo Park and runs through September 24. CEO Mark Zuckerberg's keynote is scheduled for 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Zuckerberg is expected to explain in detail how Muse functions across Meta's entire device ecosystem and highlight early market penetration of the AI assistant.

Beyond Muse, the keynote is expected to cover the following topics:

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

Timing as strategic advantage

The announcement of Muse came just before Meta Connect 2026, creating a natural catalyst setup for the stock. The event serves as an immediate company-specific driver for today's U.S. trading session, particularly given the stock movements that have already occurred.

Analysts characterize the keynote as an opportunity for Zuckerberg to build on the momentum created and demonstrate Meta's broader product vision and technological roadmap. The Muse agent is being assessed as a potential new AI variable for Meta – an additional revenue source alongside established advertising businesses.

Assessment for investors in German-speaking countries

For retail investors in German-speaking regions who obtain Meta shares through European trading platforms, yesterday's share price jump represents a significant increase in their positions. Meta stock is traded in euros on German exchanges, where currency fluctuations can have additional effects.

The new analyst price targets of $860 to $875 imply upside potential of around 16 to 18 percent compared to the closing price on September 22. However, these forecasts are estimates from individual investment banks, not guaranteed expectations. Actual share price development will largely depend on how Muse establishes itself in the market and whether Meta can deliver on revenue promises.

Tonight's keynote (Central European Time: 1 a.m.) will show whether Zuckerberg presents concrete figures on Muse's market penetration or whether expectations are based primarily on corporate communications.