Core Viewpoint - Vistra Corp. has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Meta Platforms, Inc. to supply over 2,600 MW of zero-carbon power from three nuclear plants, which is expected to support Meta's regional operations and align with its long-term energy strategy [1][2][6]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement includes the supply of 2,176 MW of nuclear energy from Vistra's Perry and Davis-Besse plants in Ohio, along with an additional 433 MW from uprates at these plants and Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania [2]. - Over 15% of the contracted capacity represents new generation added to the PJM grid, indicating a significant contribution to regional energy supply [2]. Group 2: Operational Timeline - Meta's energy purchases under the agreements will begin in late 2026, with additional capacity expected to come online through 2034, ultimately reaching the full 2,609 MW [3]. Group 3: Regulatory and Licensing Aspects - All three nuclear plants involved have received initial license renewals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, allowing Vistra to pursue further renewals that could extend each reactor's license by another 20 years [4]. - Current licenses for the plants extend to 2036 for Beaver Valley Unit 1, 2037 for Davis-Besse, 2046 for Perry, and 2047 for Beaver Valley Unit 2, with plans for further extensions [4]. Group 4: Industry Context - The partnership between Meta and Vistra highlights a broader trend where both existing nuclear operators and new developers are positioning themselves as essential suppliers to meet the long-term energy needs of major tech companies [5]. - This strategy reflects Meta's approach of combining immediate power supply from operational nuclear plants with investments in new capacity to support its AI-driven growth [6].

Market Performance - U.S. equities showed notable volatility on September 17, 2025, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gaining 260 points, or 0.6%, closing at 46,018.32, and reaching an intraday record high of 46,261 [2][4] - The S&P 500 (SPX) slightly retreated, down 6.41 points, or 0.1%, finishing at 6,600.35, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) declined 72.63 points, or 0.3%, closing at 22,261.33, primarily due to drops in major tech stocks [3][4] Federal Reserve's Actions - The Federal Reserve announced a quarter-percentage-point cut to its benchmark interest rate, bringing it to a range of 4% to 4.25%, marking the first reduction since December of the previous year [4][5] - Projections indicated two additional rate cuts by the end of 2025, potentially lowering the rate to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, with one more cut expected in 2026 [5] Corporate News and Stock Movements - Nvidia (NVDA) shares fell between 1.2% and 3.2% due to reports that China's internet regulator instructed major tech companies to stop purchasing AI chips from Nvidia, highlighting geopolitical tensions [6] - Workday (WDAY) stock surged 6.7% to 6.9% after Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake exceeding $2 billion and expressed support for its management [6] - Uber Technologies (UBER) shares declined by 5% following Lyft's announcement of an expanded partnership with Waymo, while Lyft's shares rose over 13% [6] Upcoming Market Events - Investors are monitoring key upcoming economic data releases, including Final GDP q/q, Unemployment Claims, and Durable Goods Orders, scheduled for September 25, which could influence future Federal Reserve decisions [10] - The next Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting is set for October 28-29, with markets pricing in a high probability of another quarter-point rate cut [10]