Moderna’s Nasdaq‑100 inclusion sparks double‑digit stock surge

Moderna was added to the Nasdaq‑100 index on October 9, 2026, replacing Warner Bros. Discovery and prompting mandatory purchases by index‑tracking funds. The forced buying lifted the share price by as much as 7.8% in early trading, while the company also announced Phase 3 melanoma data to be presented on October 24 and a new chief operating officer, Juan Andres. Morgan Stanley raised its price target for the stock to $95.

The index addition creates mechanical demand that can temporarily boost the share price, benefiting investors holding the stock before the rebalancing window closes (the 247WallSt article notes the demand is tied to benchmark rules). The price‑target increase signals analyst optimism that could support further upside.

  • 1Moderna joined the Nasdaq‑100 on October 9, 2026, replacing Warner Bros. Discovery.
  • 2The addition forced index‑tracking funds to buy Moderna shares, creating mechanical demand.
  • 3Moderna’s share price rose 7.8% in morning trading after the inclusion.
  • 4Moderna’s share price rose 5% to $207.80 after the inclusion.
  • 5Morgan Stanley raised its price target for Moderna from $89 to $95.
  • 6Phase 3 data for the intismeran autogene melanoma therapy will be presented on October 24.

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