Shares of aluminum-related companies are trading higher after Alcoa's better-than-expected Q3 adjusted EPS results and comments that inventories leave little room for another market shock. Also, reports suggesting that U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick is refusing to give concessions to Mexican aluminum imports may also aid sentiment for the sector.

Nasdaq 100 Slides As Micron, SanDisk, CoreWeave Sink: Stock Market Today

The Nasdaq 100 fell 1.5% at midday Friday as memory chips and AI-debt names sold off, while Fed Chair Warsh declined to rule out an October hike after hot CPI and PPI. WTI held near $96, the 10-year yield hovered around 5.1%, gold bounced toward $4,200 and bitcoin traded near $81,300.

Alcoa: 3 Key Takeaways for Long-Term Investors

Alcoa outlined its strategy following its $2.6 billion debt financing for the AliGroup acquisition, prioritizing debt reduction post-closing in H1 2027. The company agreed to sell its Massena East site for up to $315 million as part of a $500 million to $1 billion asset monetization program through 2030. Operational improvements drove six production records year-to-date, with sequential aluminum output increasing by 15,000 metric tons in Q3.

Ladder Capital Posts Upbeat Q3 Earnings, Joins Alcoa, Hyster-Yale And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Friday

U.S. stocks were mixed; Ladder Capital surged after beating Q3 estimates. Alcoa and other stocks also gained, led by Strata Critical Medical’s 7.5% rise.

Reported October 15, 'Lutnick Throws the Future of U.S.-Mexico Trade Talks Into Further Doubt; The commerce secretary has objected to significant reductions in tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminum and automobiles' - WSJ Exclusive

Barclays Initiates Coverage On Century Aluminum with Equal-Weight Rating, Announces Price Target of $40

Barclays Initiates Coverage On Kaiser Aluminum with Overweight Rating, Announces Price Target of $180