TLDRs;
- Ford closes 2025 at $13.12 as markets pause for New Year’s.
- Tesla’s Q4 delivery report may influence Ford and EV sector sentiment.
- Ford’s February earnings will provide insight into 2026 strategy and margins.
- Senate hearing on vehicle affordability puts Ford under political spotlight.
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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) wrapped up 2025 with shares closing at $13.12, marking a modest 0.83% drop in the final U.S. trading session of the year.
With markets closed for New Year’s Day, investors paused to reassess positions, turning attention to upcoming catalysts, including Tesla’s fourth-quarter delivery report and Ford’s own quarterly earnings in February.
Ford Motor Company, F
Market Pause Signals Investor Reset
Ford shares fluctuated between $13.12 and $13.22 on December 31, with 26.3 million shares changing hands. The stock’s 52-week range stands at $8.44 to $13.99, highlighting the volatility that shaped Ford’s 2025 performance.The holiday closure on January 1 provided a natural break, allowing traders to recalibrate ahead of the first trading session of 2026.
“The opening days of the year are critical for automakers,” said one market analyst. “They set the tone for consumer demand, pricing strategies, and margin expectations.”
Investors are particularly focused on electric vehicle (EV) demand, which remains a key driver for legacy automakers like Ford.
Tesla Deliveries Set the Benchmark
A major near-term signal for Ford comes from Tesla’s Q4 delivery report, expected on the first trading day of 2026.
Tesla deliveries serve as one of the earliest hard datapoints for EV demand, providing insights into potential discounting trends. Analysts predict Tesla’s deliveries could drop about 13% from last year to roughly 432,810 vehicles, reflecting the expiration of U.S. EV tax credits in September.
The outcome of Tesla’s report is likely to influence sentiment across the auto sector. A strong delivery number could lift Ford shares and other traditional automakers, while disappointing figures may weigh on market confidence. Ford has been reallocating spending toward trucks, hybrids, and lower-cost electric models to strengthen margins and reduce losses in its EV segment.
Upcoming Earnings and Political Spotlight
Ford’s next major event is the fourth-quarter and full-year earnings report scheduled for February 10. Investors will scrutinize revenue, cost-cutting measures, and cash generation across Ford Blue (combustion vehicles) and Ford Pro (commercial operations).
Analysts expect these results to provide clearer guidance on volume, pricing, and the company’s overall EV strategy for 2026.
Beyond financial results, Ford also faces political scrutiny. The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a January 14 hearing on vehicle affordability, inviting CEO Jim Farley to testify alongside executives from General Motors, Stellantis, and Tesla. The hearing could add regulatory pressure and influence investor sentiment heading into the new year.
Trading Psychology and 2026 Outlook
Before Friday’s opening bell, traders used the New Year’s Day closure to focus on the $13 psychological level. Historically, this price point attracts short-term buyers and sellers seeking entry or exit positions.
Ford closed just above this marker, roughly 6% below its 52-week high, leaving room for potential gains if EV sentiment rebounds.
Investors will also be monitoring signs of discounting across the industry, as incentives can quickly erode margins. With macroeconomic data, including early-January factory surveys and interest-rate expectations, shaping risk appetite, the first weeks of 2026 are likely to be a critical test for Ford and the broader auto sector.
