Major US Averages Mixed as Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.6%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 16 2025
0mins
Should l Buy F?
The major averages had a mixed day as traders reacted to delayed jobs data that could influence the Federal Reserve's interest-rate path next year. Though November's jobs report came in better-than-expected, with an increase of 64,000 jobs for the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that 105,000 jobs were shed in October, with the unemployment rate climbing to 4.6%.Record highs earlier in December have given way to a softer backdrop as investors weigh the release of the delayed nonfarm payrolls and other indicators like retail sales and CPI inflation, which were postponed by the longest U.S. government shutdown in history.Looking to commodities, gold was mostly unchanged, while oil fell sharply ahead of API crude numbers set for release this afternoon.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Fordsaid it expectsto "rationalize" U.S. EV-related assetsPfizerreiterated its guidance for FY25 and provided aPayPalhas submitted applications toApplewill expand its iPhone lineup to seven models by 2027,The U.S. Trade Representative said it will use "every tool" to2. WALL STREET CALLS:Rokuto Overweight from Underweight at Morgan StanleyLockheed Martinto Equal Weight at Morgan StanleyOktato Buy at JefferiesStubHubto Market Perform at CitizensWells FargoGapto Overweight3. AROUND THE WEB:Apollo Globalis exploring a potential sale of Atlas Air,Trump is slated to interview Fed governor Christopher Waller on Tuesday for the position of Fed chair,Oraclesigned roughly $150B of data center leases in the three months ending November 30, raising its total data center and cloud capacity commitments to $248B,Metaearned more than $18B in annual ad sales from China in 2024, making up over 10% of its global revenue, with more than $3B linked to fraudulent ads, like for scams,The U.K. government wants Apple, Google, and others to block explicit images at the OS level by default to protect kids and have adults verify their ages,4. MOVERS:Cementos Pacasmayoincreases in New York after announcingof the Hochschild Group, which controls 50.01% of the companyRezolve AIgains in New York afterannual recurring revenue view of $500M or moreAldeyrahigher after announcing thetarget action date for the reproxalap New Drug ApplicationLightwave Logicfalls after announcing anNavanlower after announcing the departure of5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Vestisreaffirmed itsVital Farmsfor FY25Organigram, with Executive Chair Peter Amirault calling fiscal 2025 "marked by purposeful growth"Humanafor FY25CSP Inc., with EPS and revenue higher year-over-yearINDEXES:The Dow fell 302.30, or 0.62%, to 48,114.26, the Nasdaq gained 54.05, or 0.23%, to 23,111.46, and the S&P 500 declined 16.25, or 0.24%, to 6,800.26.
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Analyst Views on F
Wall Street analysts forecast F stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
10 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 14.090
Low
11.00
Averages
13.65
High
16.00
Current: 14.090
Low
11.00
Averages
13.65
High
16.00
About F
Ford Motor Company is an automobile company. The Company develops and delivers Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The Company’s segments include Ford Blue, Ford Model e, Ford Pro, and Ford Credit. The Ford Blue segment primarily includes the sale of Ford and Lincoln internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles, service parts, accessories, and digital services for retail customers. The Ford Model e segment primarily includes the sale of its electric vehicles, service parts, accessories, and digital services for retail customers. The Ford Pro segment primarily includes the sale of Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, accessories, and services for commercial, government, and rental customers. The Ford Credit segment consists of the Ford Credit business on a consolidated basis, which is primarily vehicle-related financing and leasing activities. Its vehicle brands are Ford and Lincoln.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Surge in Trading Volume: Trading volume for Ford reached 103.7 million shares, approximately 70% above the three-month average of 61 million shares, indicating heightened investor concern and volatility regarding the company's future performance.
- Ongoing Quality Challenges: Despite appointing a 'quality czar' in 2022 to improve vehicle quality, recent recall events suggest that quality issues remain a significant challenge for Ford, potentially impacting future sales and brand image.
- Investor Caution: While Ford's stock has risen 40% over the past year, persistent quality issues could hinder this growth momentum, leading analysts to advise caution for investors, especially as Ford was not included in the list of 'best stocks' to buy now.
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Ford Motor Company Shares Drop Due to Recall Announcement
- Recall Impact: Ford Motor Company's shares fell 4.97% following a recall of nearly 5 million vehicles related to towing safety, which not only increases quality costs but could also pressure future profitability.
- Surge in Trading Volume: Trading volume reached 103.7 million shares, approximately 70% above the three-month average, indicating heightened market concern regarding Ford's quality issues.
- Quality Management Challenges: Despite appointing a 'quality czar' in 2022, Jim Baumbick, to oversee improvements, the recent recall highlights ongoing quality challenges that could affect brand reputation and future sales.
- Stock Performance: Ford's stock has risen 40% over the past year, but persistent quality issues may hinder this momentum, prompting investors to carefully assess its long-term investment value.
See More
Detroit Automakers Monitor Impact of Iran War on Operations and Sales
- Market Monitoring: Ford and General Motors are closely monitoring the potential impact of the Iran war on their Middle Eastern operations, particularly how soaring gasoline prices might affect U.S. new vehicle sales, with analysts noting that the duration of the conflict will determine supply chain disruptions.
- Oil Price Risks: Analysts predict that if the conflict escalates, oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz could be affected, leading to rising oil prices, with Brent crude already up 8% to $78.49 per barrel, potentially putting pressure on automakers.
- Sales Dynamics: Ford's sales in Saudi Arabia have increased by 5%, while GM and Stellantis are experiencing declining sales in the Middle East, indicating Ford's expanding market share and competitiveness in the region.
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See More
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- Price Adjustment: Tesla has raised the price of the Cybertruck's all-wheel drive base model from $59,990 to $69,990, marking a $10,000 increase shortly after the model's launch, indicating the company's responsiveness to market demand.
- Strong Market Demand: Data from influencer Sawyer Merritt shows that the dual motor base variant of the Cybertruck is experiencing strong interest, suggesting a potential boost in future sales driven by consumer enthusiasm.
- Other Model Pricing: In addition to the base model, the Cybertruck's premium all-wheel drive variant is priced at $79,990, while the Cyberbeast variant is set at $99,990, reflecting Tesla's strategic pricing across different market segments.
- Sales Trend: Despite a 0.18% decline in Tesla's stock price to $401.80 during after-hours trading on Friday, the company's performance in the electric pickup market remains robust, indicating a favorable long-term price trend and market momentum.
See More
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- Ford Stock Appeal: Ford's shares trade at a forward P/E ratio of 9, attracting value investors, and its 4.23% dividend yield surpasses the 4.04% yield on 10-year Treasuries, making it appealing to income investors.
- EV Transition Challenges: Ford reported a massive $19.5 billion special charge in Q4 2025; however, its F-Series trucks remain the best-selling vehicles in America, indicating potential to maintain market leadership during its EV transition.
- Ferrari's Scarcity Strategy: Ferrari maintains market demand by limiting production, achieving a 9.6% compound annual growth rate in sales from 2015 to 2025, with expectations of 6.5% growth over the next three years, showcasing its strong pricing power in the luxury market.
- Profitability Comparison: Ferrari posted a 29.5% operating margin last year, significantly higher than Ford's 3%, indicating a more lucrative business model, leading investors to remain optimistic about its future growth.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis: Ford vs. Ferrari
- Ford's Attractive Valuation: Ford's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9 has piqued the interest of value investors, particularly with a dividend yield of 4.23% that surpasses the 4.04% yield on 10-year Treasuries, making it appealing to income-focused investors.
- EV Transition Challenges: In 2025, Ford faced a significant $19.5 billion special charge, and while its Model e electric vehicle division is pivoting, the company struggles with a low operating margin of just 3%, indicating substantial operational challenges ahead.
- Ferrari's Scarcity Strategy: Ferrari aims to produce fewer cars than market demand, which enhances its luxury brand image and maintains robust demand, evidenced by an impressive 860% stock price increase over the past decade, showcasing its strong pricing power and market allure.
- Profitability Comparison: Ferrari achieved an operating margin of 29.5% last year, significantly outpacing Ford's low growth and weak profits, highlighting Ferrari's success in the luxury market and its potential for sustained revenue growth.
See More
Ford Shares Drop After Multi-Million Vehicle Recall Announcement
- Recall Impact: Ford's announcement of a multi-million vehicle recall due to towing safety issues led to a 4.97% drop in stock price to $13.39 on Monday, highlighting the potential threat of quality issues on the company's reputation and future profitability.
- Surge in Trading Volume: Trading volume for Ford reached 103.7 million shares, approximately 70% above the three-month average of 61 million shares, indicating heightened investor concern and volatility regarding the company's future performance.
- Ongoing Quality Challenges: Despite appointing a 'quality czar' in 2022 to improve vehicle quality, recent recall events suggest that quality issues remain a significant challenge for Ford, potentially impacting future sales and brand image.
- Investor Caution: While Ford's stock has risen 40% over the past year, persistent quality issues could hinder this growth momentum, leading analysts to advise caution for investors, especially as Ford was not included in the list of 'best stocks' to buy now.
See More
Ford Motor Company Shares Drop Due to Recall Announcement
- Recall Impact: Ford Motor Company's shares fell 4.97% following a recall of nearly 5 million vehicles related to towing safety, which not only increases quality costs but could also pressure future profitability.
- Surge in Trading Volume: Trading volume reached 103.7 million shares, approximately 70% above the three-month average, indicating heightened market concern regarding Ford's quality issues.
- Quality Management Challenges: Despite appointing a 'quality czar' in 2022, Jim Baumbick, to oversee improvements, the recent recall highlights ongoing quality challenges that could affect brand reputation and future sales.
- Stock Performance: Ford's stock has risen 40% over the past year, but persistent quality issues may hinder this momentum, prompting investors to carefully assess its long-term investment value.
See More
Detroit Automakers Monitor Impact of Iran War on Operations and Sales
- Market Monitoring: Ford and General Motors are closely monitoring the potential impact of the Iran war on their Middle Eastern operations, particularly how soaring gasoline prices might affect U.S. new vehicle sales, with analysts noting that the duration of the conflict will determine supply chain disruptions.
- Oil Price Risks: Analysts predict that if the conflict escalates, oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz could be affected, leading to rising oil prices, with Brent crude already up 8% to $78.49 per barrel, potentially putting pressure on automakers.
- Sales Dynamics: Ford's sales in Saudi Arabia have increased by 5%, while GM and Stellantis are experiencing declining sales in the Middle East, indicating Ford's expanding market share and competitiveness in the region.
- EV Outlook: Despite the current government's negative stance on EV production, analysts believe that sustained high gasoline prices could accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, potentially leading to a surge in demand for EVs in the future.
See More
Tesla Increases Cybertruck AWD Price by $10,000
- Price Adjustment: Tesla has raised the price of the Cybertruck's all-wheel drive base model from $59,990 to $69,990, marking a $10,000 increase shortly after the model's launch, indicating the company's responsiveness to market demand.
- Strong Market Demand: Data from influencer Sawyer Merritt shows that the dual motor base variant of the Cybertruck is experiencing strong interest, suggesting a potential boost in future sales driven by consumer enthusiasm.
- Other Model Pricing: In addition to the base model, the Cybertruck's premium all-wheel drive variant is priced at $79,990, while the Cyberbeast variant is set at $99,990, reflecting Tesla's strategic pricing across different market segments.
- Sales Trend: Despite a 0.18% decline in Tesla's stock price to $401.80 during after-hours trading on Friday, the company's performance in the electric pickup market remains robust, indicating a favorable long-term price trend and market momentum.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis: Ford vs. Ferrari
- Ford Stock Appeal: Ford's shares trade at a forward P/E ratio of 9, attracting value investors, and its 4.23% dividend yield surpasses the 4.04% yield on 10-year Treasuries, making it appealing to income investors.
- EV Transition Challenges: Ford reported a massive $19.5 billion special charge in Q4 2025; however, its F-Series trucks remain the best-selling vehicles in America, indicating potential to maintain market leadership during its EV transition.
- Ferrari's Scarcity Strategy: Ferrari maintains market demand by limiting production, achieving a 9.6% compound annual growth rate in sales from 2015 to 2025, with expectations of 6.5% growth over the next three years, showcasing its strong pricing power in the luxury market.
- Profitability Comparison: Ferrari posted a 29.5% operating margin last year, significantly higher than Ford's 3%, indicating a more lucrative business model, leading investors to remain optimistic about its future growth.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis: Ford vs. Ferrari
- Ford's Attractive Valuation: Ford's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9 has piqued the interest of value investors, particularly with a dividend yield of 4.23% that surpasses the 4.04% yield on 10-year Treasuries, making it appealing to income-focused investors.
- EV Transition Challenges: In 2025, Ford faced a significant $19.5 billion special charge, and while its Model e electric vehicle division is pivoting, the company struggles with a low operating margin of just 3%, indicating substantial operational challenges ahead.
- Ferrari's Scarcity Strategy: Ferrari aims to produce fewer cars than market demand, which enhances its luxury brand image and maintains robust demand, evidenced by an impressive 860% stock price increase over the past decade, showcasing its strong pricing power and market allure.
- Profitability Comparison: Ferrari achieved an operating margin of 29.5% last year, significantly outpacing Ford's low growth and weak profits, highlighting Ferrari's success in the luxury market and its potential for sustained revenue growth.
See More
