Major US Averages Mixed as Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.6%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 16 2025
0mins
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.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy F?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on F
Wall Street analysts forecast F stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
10 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 16.650
Low
11.00
Averages
13.65
High
16.00
Current: 16.650
Low
11.00
Averages
13.65
High
16.00
About F
Ford Motor Company develops and delivers Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. 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.
Ford Energy Subsidiary Signs First Customer Agreement
- First Customer Agreement: Ford Energy announced a five-year agreement with global energy company EDF last week to supply its new battery energy storage systems, marking a strategic pivot towards battery storage that is expected to drive large-scale energy storage initiatives across the U.S.
- Stock Price Momentum: Following the announcement of its new subsidiary, Ford's shares have surged by 11.5% this week, reaching a three-year high, reflecting strong market confidence in the Ford Energy business and rising investor expectations for returns on its $2 billion investment.
- European Market Expansion: Ford is also pushing its Ford Pro commercial business in Europe, rolling out new models and smart vehicle technology to support businesses of various sizes, ensuring it maintains leadership in its most profitable segment and enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Strategic Investment Shift: After writing off significant investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, Ford has redirected $2 billion into Ford Energy, demonstrating its commitment to the battery storage market, which is expected to provide new growth momentum for the company in the future.
See More
Ford Motor Company Transforms into High-Margin Business
- Dividend Appeal: Ford Motor Company often issues supplemental dividends when cash flow is strong, currently boasting a 3.44% dividend yield, which provides stable returns for long-term investors and enhances the company's attractiveness in the capital-intensive automotive sector.
- New Energy Storage Opportunity: The Ford Energy initiative aims for approximately 20 gigawatt-hours of annual production capacity by 2027, with Morgan Stanley analysts predicting it could generate between $500 million and $600 million in EBIT, showcasing Ford's potential in the energy storage market and possibly enhancing its valuation.
- High-Profit Commercial Sales: Ford Pro achieved $6.8 billion in EBIT in 2025 with a 10.3% EBIT margin, significantly outperforming the traditional retail business's 3% margin, indicating a successful transformation in commercial sales that strengthens its market competitiveness.
- Software Subscription Growth: Ford Pro's paid software subscriptions grew by 30% in 2025, reaching 879,000, highlighting the company's potential in high-margin software services and further solidifying Ford's leadership position in the European market.
See More
Ford Energy Unlocks New Revenue Stream
- High-Margin Business Growth: Ford Pro achieved $6.8 billion in EBIT with a 10.3% margin in 2025, significantly outperforming Ford Blue's $3.02 billion EBIT at a mere 3% margin, highlighting Ford's strong performance in the high-margin commercial customer market.
- Energy Storage Market Potential: Ford Energy aims for approximately 20 gigawatt-hours of annual production capacity by 2027, projected to generate between $500 million and $600 million in pre-tax earnings, with Morgan Stanley valuing this segment at $10 billion, indicating a significant potential to enhance Ford's market valuation.
- Stock Price Surge: Following the announcement of Ford Energy, the stock surged 13% in a single day, marking the largest one-day gain since March 2020, reflecting investor optimism regarding Ford's transformation and new business model, potentially setting the stage for future shareholder returns.
- European Market Strategy: Ford dominates commercial vehicle sales in Europe, with Ford Pro subscriptions growing by 30% in 2025 to reach 879,000 paid users, underscoring its critical role in maintaining factory utilization and enhancing customer loyalty in a challenging passenger car market.
See More
Micron Technology Stock Overbought, Market Cap Surpasses $1 Trillion for First Time
- Micron Stock Surge: Driven by insatiable demand for memory chips in AI applications, Micron's stock soared 29% this week, marking its market capitalization surpassing $1 trillion for the first time, reflecting strong market confidence in its future growth prospects.
- UBS Price Target Increase: UBS raised Micron's price target to $1,625, implying a 67% upside from Friday's close, as analysts believe the market will assign a more 'normal' valuation multiple as AI drives structural changes in the memory sector.
- Dell's Impressive Performance: Dell Technologies saw a 33% stock increase this week, achieving its largest single-day gain on Friday, with Q1 revenue of $43.84 billion exceeding analyst expectations of $35.43 billion and a year-over-year growth rate of nearly 88%, showcasing its strong position in the AI data center market.
- Ford's Investor Optimism: Ford Motor's stock rose 17% this week, with an RSI of 80, as analysts noted that optimism surrounding its battery energy storage system has boosted investor sentiment, leading to a price target increase from $17 to $20, indicating a further 15% upside potential.
See More
US Auto Manufacturers Face Pressure from New Trade Rules
- Increased Domestic Assembly Requirements: The White House aims to enforce a rise in the domestic assembly percentage of U.S. vehicles under the USMCA from 75% to 82%, while mandating that 50% of components come from American suppliers, directly impacting manufacturers' production costs and pricing strategies.
- Heightened Tariff Risks: Vehicles that do not comply with the new regulations will face a 25% import tariff, raising concerns among automakers that this policy will lead to production delays and increased prices for consumers, thereby affecting market competitiveness and purchasing power.
- Industry Pushback: General Motors CEO Mary Barra cautioned that stricter regional content requirements would harm U.S. competitiveness, emphasizing that inconsistent trade policies complicate capital investments and highlighting the need for clarity and consistency in regulations.
- Supply Chain Adjustment Challenges: Automakers typically require five to six years to redesign production lines and adjust supply chains, with Barra noting that while everything can be moved over time, it must be done effectively to maintain global competitiveness.
See More
Ferrari Launches First All-Electric Vehicle Luce Amid Market Uncertainty
- Electrification Strategy Shift: Ferrari has announced the launch of its first all-electric vehicle, Luce, amidst uncertainty regarding the demand for high-end electric supercars, with expectations that EVs will now comprise 20% of sales, significantly lower than previous forecasts.
- Market Risk Assessment: While Ferrari adopts a cautious approach to electrification, its competitor Lamborghini has canceled its electric plans, highlighting potential risks in the high-end electric supercar market, necessitating Ferrari to balance brand emotional experiences with electrification.
- Sales Target Feasibility: Ferrari only needs to sell between 500 and 1,000 Luce units annually to achieve success, which is relatively attainable given its annual sales of approximately 14,000 vehicles and high demand, showcasing its strong market appeal.
- Brand Value and Investment Opportunity: Despite a 6% decline in Ferrari's stock post-Luce unveiling, long-term investors can seize this rare entry opportunity, as Ferrari's EBITDA margins near 40% reflect its robust profitability and competitive market position.
See More
Ford Energy Subsidiary Signs First Customer Agreement
- First Customer Agreement: Ford Energy announced a five-year agreement with global energy company EDF last week to supply its new battery energy storage systems, marking a strategic pivot towards battery storage that is expected to drive large-scale energy storage initiatives across the U.S.
- Stock Price Momentum: Following the announcement of its new subsidiary, Ford's shares have surged by 11.5% this week, reaching a three-year high, reflecting strong market confidence in the Ford Energy business and rising investor expectations for returns on its $2 billion investment.
- European Market Expansion: Ford is also pushing its Ford Pro commercial business in Europe, rolling out new models and smart vehicle technology to support businesses of various sizes, ensuring it maintains leadership in its most profitable segment and enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Strategic Investment Shift: After writing off significant investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, Ford has redirected $2 billion into Ford Energy, demonstrating its commitment to the battery storage market, which is expected to provide new growth momentum for the company in the future.
See More
Ford Motor Company Transforms into High-Margin Business
- Dividend Appeal: Ford Motor Company often issues supplemental dividends when cash flow is strong, currently boasting a 3.44% dividend yield, which provides stable returns for long-term investors and enhances the company's attractiveness in the capital-intensive automotive sector.
- New Energy Storage Opportunity: The Ford Energy initiative aims for approximately 20 gigawatt-hours of annual production capacity by 2027, with Morgan Stanley analysts predicting it could generate between $500 million and $600 million in EBIT, showcasing Ford's potential in the energy storage market and possibly enhancing its valuation.
- High-Profit Commercial Sales: Ford Pro achieved $6.8 billion in EBIT in 2025 with a 10.3% EBIT margin, significantly outperforming the traditional retail business's 3% margin, indicating a successful transformation in commercial sales that strengthens its market competitiveness.
- Software Subscription Growth: Ford Pro's paid software subscriptions grew by 30% in 2025, reaching 879,000, highlighting the company's potential in high-margin software services and further solidifying Ford's leadership position in the European market.
See More
Ford Energy Unlocks New Revenue Stream
- High-Margin Business Growth: Ford Pro achieved $6.8 billion in EBIT with a 10.3% margin in 2025, significantly outperforming Ford Blue's $3.02 billion EBIT at a mere 3% margin, highlighting Ford's strong performance in the high-margin commercial customer market.
- Energy Storage Market Potential: Ford Energy aims for approximately 20 gigawatt-hours of annual production capacity by 2027, projected to generate between $500 million and $600 million in pre-tax earnings, with Morgan Stanley valuing this segment at $10 billion, indicating a significant potential to enhance Ford's market valuation.
- Stock Price Surge: Following the announcement of Ford Energy, the stock surged 13% in a single day, marking the largest one-day gain since March 2020, reflecting investor optimism regarding Ford's transformation and new business model, potentially setting the stage for future shareholder returns.
- European Market Strategy: Ford dominates commercial vehicle sales in Europe, with Ford Pro subscriptions growing by 30% in 2025 to reach 879,000 paid users, underscoring its critical role in maintaining factory utilization and enhancing customer loyalty in a challenging passenger car market.
See More
Micron Technology Stock Overbought, Market Cap Surpasses $1 Trillion for First Time
- Micron Stock Surge: Driven by insatiable demand for memory chips in AI applications, Micron's stock soared 29% this week, marking its market capitalization surpassing $1 trillion for the first time, reflecting strong market confidence in its future growth prospects.
- UBS Price Target Increase: UBS raised Micron's price target to $1,625, implying a 67% upside from Friday's close, as analysts believe the market will assign a more 'normal' valuation multiple as AI drives structural changes in the memory sector.
- Dell's Impressive Performance: Dell Technologies saw a 33% stock increase this week, achieving its largest single-day gain on Friday, with Q1 revenue of $43.84 billion exceeding analyst expectations of $35.43 billion and a year-over-year growth rate of nearly 88%, showcasing its strong position in the AI data center market.
- Ford's Investor Optimism: Ford Motor's stock rose 17% this week, with an RSI of 80, as analysts noted that optimism surrounding its battery energy storage system has boosted investor sentiment, leading to a price target increase from $17 to $20, indicating a further 15% upside potential.
See More
US Auto Manufacturers Face Pressure from New Trade Rules
- Increased Domestic Assembly Requirements: The White House aims to enforce a rise in the domestic assembly percentage of U.S. vehicles under the USMCA from 75% to 82%, while mandating that 50% of components come from American suppliers, directly impacting manufacturers' production costs and pricing strategies.
- Heightened Tariff Risks: Vehicles that do not comply with the new regulations will face a 25% import tariff, raising concerns among automakers that this policy will lead to production delays and increased prices for consumers, thereby affecting market competitiveness and purchasing power.
- Industry Pushback: General Motors CEO Mary Barra cautioned that stricter regional content requirements would harm U.S. competitiveness, emphasizing that inconsistent trade policies complicate capital investments and highlighting the need for clarity and consistency in regulations.
- Supply Chain Adjustment Challenges: Automakers typically require five to six years to redesign production lines and adjust supply chains, with Barra noting that while everything can be moved over time, it must be done effectively to maintain global competitiveness.
See More
Ferrari Launches First All-Electric Vehicle Luce Amid Market Uncertainty
- Electrification Strategy Shift: Ferrari has announced the launch of its first all-electric vehicle, Luce, amidst uncertainty regarding the demand for high-end electric supercars, with expectations that EVs will now comprise 20% of sales, significantly lower than previous forecasts.
- Market Risk Assessment: While Ferrari adopts a cautious approach to electrification, its competitor Lamborghini has canceled its electric plans, highlighting potential risks in the high-end electric supercar market, necessitating Ferrari to balance brand emotional experiences with electrification.
- Sales Target Feasibility: Ferrari only needs to sell between 500 and 1,000 Luce units annually to achieve success, which is relatively attainable given its annual sales of approximately 14,000 vehicles and high demand, showcasing its strong market appeal.
- Brand Value and Investment Opportunity: Despite a 6% decline in Ferrari's stock post-Luce unveiling, long-term investors can seize this rare entry opportunity, as Ferrari's EBITDA margins near 40% reflect its robust profitability and competitive market position.
See More
