Confluent Stock Surges on Multi-Billion IBM Acquisition

Group 1 - Confluent Inc has agreed to be acquired by IBM in an $11 billion deal, translating to $31 per share in cash, enhancing IBM's data infrastructure capabilities and commitment to the AI sector [1] - Confluent's stock rose by 28.50% to $29.74, marking its highest level since early March and recovering its year-to-date breakeven level, with a significant 32.9% post-earnings drawdown from July 31 now filled [2] - Options trading activity has surged, with 41,000 calls traded, which is 29 times the average intraday volume, indicating strong bullish sentiment [3] Group 2 - IBM's stock increased by 1.4% to $312.28, approaching its all-time high of $324.90, and has a year-to-date gain of 42.6%, with short-term support at the 50-day moving average [4]