Key Stock Developments on Friday: Factors That May Influence the Market in the Upcoming Trading Session
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 21 2025
0mins
Source: CNBC
Market Overview: The S&P 500 has declined for five consecutive days, with various automotive stocks showing mixed performance; Stellantis' Jeep brand is set to unveil the new Cherokee amid a 26% drop in stock this year.
Automotive Stocks Performance: Ford and General Motors have seen gains of 14% and 6% respectively this year, while Tesla is down 20% year-to-date but up 43% over the past year.
Buckle and AT&T Updates: Buckle will report quarterly numbers soon, having gained 35% in three months. AT&T reached a new high, up 29% year-to-date, with an RSI indicating it may be overbought.
Sector Performance: The insurance sector is performing well, with Everest and Arthur Gallagher seeing increases, while the airline industry is struggling, with Delta and United both experiencing declines this week.
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Analyst Views on GM
Wall Street analysts forecast GM stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
16 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 79.820
Low
48.00
Averages
82.06
High
100.00
Current: 79.820
Low
48.00
Averages
82.06
High
100.00
About GM
General Motors Company designs, builds and sells trucks, crossovers, cars and automobile parts and provides software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The Company's segments include GMNA, GMI, Cruise and GM Financial. Its GM North America (GMNA) and GM International (GMI) develop, manufacture and/or markets vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. The Company provides automotive financing services through its General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment. Its Cruise segment is engaged in the development and commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology. Its software-enabled services and subscriptions, including OnStar, its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and its end-to-end software platform. The Company is also focused on investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and AVs, software-enabled services and subscriptions and new business opportunities.
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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- New Store Openings: B&J plans to open new locations in Odessa, TX in Q4 2025 and Abilene, TX in Q1 2026, further expanding its market presence across Texas and surrounding states.
- Strategic Expansion Goals: B&J Welding Supply aims to grow its footprint through strategic acquisitions and new store openings, seeking partnerships with best-in-class independent packaged gas distributors to preserve the independent mindset and family legacy in the industry.
- Leadership Commitment: CEO Jason Jones emphasized that the company's growth will enhance its ability to deliver reliable service to existing customers while reaching new clients, reflecting confidence in future expansion opportunities.
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- Policy Background: Trump claimed that the revoked scientific finding lacked factual and legal basis, asserting that it “severely damaged the American auto industry” and criticized existing EV promotion laws as “mandates,” which could lead to significant price increases for consumers.
- Consumer Impact: The EPA alleged that the repeal of the finding would result in average cost savings of over $2,400 per vehicle, although this could negatively affect EV sales, especially after the federal tax credit of $7,500 was eliminated last year.
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- Market Reaction: According to Cox Automotive, EVs peaked at 10.3% of the new vehicle market in September, just before federal incentives ended, but sales plummeted afterward, indicating a direct impact of policy changes on consumer demand for electric vehicles.
- Industry Opposition: Automakers like Tesla oppose the EPA's decision, arguing that reversing the endangerment finding undermines the regulatory framework that supports investments in EVs, potentially harming consumer choice and economic benefits while affecting the integrated North American automotive sector.
- Future Outlook: Despite policy challenges, the market potential for EVs remains strong, as battery prices decline and the number of models increases, with experts suggesting that the commercial viability of EVs will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace due to current regulatory headwinds.
See More
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- EPA Decision Reversal: The EPA's decision to no longer regulate greenhouse gases, based on its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, could pose significant challenges for the U.S. electric vehicle market, especially as global competition in EVs intensifies.
- Decline in EV Sales: Following the removal of federal tax credits, EV sales plummeted in October, dropping from 10.3% market share in September, highlighting a disconnect between consumer demand and policy support that may hinder future market growth.
- Automaker Responses: Ford has expressed support for a unified national standard, arguing that current emissions regulations do not align with consumer choices, reflecting the automotive industry's divisions over environmental policies, particularly between EVs and traditional vehicles.
- Tesla's Position: Tesla opposes the EPA's reconsideration of the endangerment finding, asserting that this regulatory framework has provided stability for its investments in product development, warning that abandoning fuel-efficiency goals could negatively impact consumer choice and economic benefits.
See More
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See More
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See More
B&J Welding Supply Acquires GM Welding Supply to Expand Market Presence
- Acquisition Completed: B&J Welding Supply successfully acquired GM Welding Supply in the summer of 2025, enhancing its product offerings and customer service capabilities by integrating GM's distribution of industrial gases and welding supplies in San Angelo.
- New Store Openings: B&J plans to open new locations in Odessa, TX in Q4 2025 and Abilene, TX in Q1 2026, further expanding its market presence across Texas and surrounding states.
- Strategic Expansion Goals: B&J Welding Supply aims to grow its footprint through strategic acquisitions and new store openings, seeking partnerships with best-in-class independent packaged gas distributors to preserve the independent mindset and family legacy in the industry.
- Leadership Commitment: CEO Jason Jones emphasized that the company's growth will enhance its ability to deliver reliable service to existing customers while reaching new clients, reflecting confidence in future expansion opportunities.
See More
Trump Announces Major Environmental Policy Change Impacting EV Market
- Market Reaction: Following the Trump administration's revocation of the greenhouse gas endangerment finding, shares of pure-play EV manufacturers like Tesla (TSLA), Rivian (RIVN), and Lucid (LCID) fell by as much as 5%, while traditional automakers such as General Motors (GM), Ford (F), and Stellantis (STLA) saw their stocks rise, with STLA increasing by 4% at its peak.
- Economic Impact: The EPA stated that the new final rule will save Americans over $1.3 trillion, primarily by reducing the costs of new vehicles and EV equipment purchases, potentially stimulating growth in the traditional automotive market.
- Policy Background: Trump claimed that the revoked scientific finding lacked factual and legal basis, asserting that it “severely damaged the American auto industry” and criticized existing EV promotion laws as “mandates,” which could lead to significant price increases for consumers.
- Consumer Impact: The EPA alleged that the repeal of the finding would result in average cost savings of over $2,400 per vehicle, although this could negatively affect EV sales, especially after the federal tax credit of $7,500 was eliminated last year.
See More
Trump's Reversal of EPA Finding Impacts Auto Industry
- Policy Reversal: The EPA's decision to reverse its finding on greenhouse gas harms may boost sales of gas-guzzling vehicles but poses a significant threat to the electric vehicle market, particularly after the removal of federal tax credits, which led to a dramatic drop in EV sales in October.
- Market Reaction: According to Cox Automotive, EVs peaked at 10.3% of the new vehicle market in September, just before federal incentives ended, but sales plummeted afterward, indicating a direct impact of policy changes on consumer demand for electric vehicles.
- Industry Opposition: Automakers like Tesla oppose the EPA's decision, arguing that reversing the endangerment finding undermines the regulatory framework that supports investments in EVs, potentially harming consumer choice and economic benefits while affecting the integrated North American automotive sector.
- Future Outlook: Despite policy challenges, the market potential for EVs remains strong, as battery prices decline and the number of models increases, with experts suggesting that the commercial viability of EVs will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace due to current regulatory headwinds.
See More
EPA Reverses Greenhouse Gas Regulation Decision
- EPA Decision Reversal: The EPA's decision to no longer regulate greenhouse gases, based on its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, could pose significant challenges for the U.S. electric vehicle market, especially as global competition in EVs intensifies.
- Decline in EV Sales: Following the removal of federal tax credits, EV sales plummeted in October, dropping from 10.3% market share in September, highlighting a disconnect between consumer demand and policy support that may hinder future market growth.
- Automaker Responses: Ford has expressed support for a unified national standard, arguing that current emissions regulations do not align with consumer choices, reflecting the automotive industry's divisions over environmental policies, particularly between EVs and traditional vehicles.
- Tesla's Position: Tesla opposes the EPA's reconsideration of the endangerment finding, asserting that this regulatory framework has provided stability for its investments in product development, warning that abandoning fuel-efficiency goals could negatively impact consumer choice and economic benefits.
See More
Trump Cancels EPA Greenhouse Gas Regulations: Implications for GM, Ford, and Tesla
- Trump's Action: President Donald Trump is set to revoke a significant Environmental Protection Agency finding.
- Impact on Climate Rules: This revocation will affect the legal foundation for climate regulations in the United States.
See More
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- Ford F-150 Awarded: According to Consumer Reports, the Ford F-150 has been named the best full-size pickup for 2026, reinforcing Ford's leadership in the lucrative pickup market due to its reliability and strong powertrains, which significantly contribute to profits.
- Hybrids Dominate Market: Ford and General Motors have incurred $19.5 billion in charges to pivot from electric vehicles, with nine out of ten top models offering hybrid options, highlighting hybrids' profitability; Ford's hybrid sales surged nearly 22% in 2025, setting a record.
- Tesla Model Y Stands Out: The Tesla Model Y has been recognized as the best electric vehicle for 2026, and despite the cessation of Model S and Model X production, the Model Y remains crucial for Tesla's sales, ensuring the company's relevance in the EV market.
- Shifting Market Demands: Automotive investors must monitor how manufacturers adapt to changing consumer demands, as Ford's ongoing strength in the pickup market, the Model Y's performance, and the focus on hybrids indicate significant profit potential in the current landscape.
See More
