Stock Market Today, Jan. 8: Ford Rises After Analyst Upgrade Boosts Confidence in Turnaround

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), a maker of automobiles and commercial vehicles, closed Thursday's session at $14.40, up 4.80%. Ford Motor Company IPO'd in 1972 and has grown 563% since going public. Trading volume reached 145.2 million shares, about 71% above its three-month average of 84.6 million shares.

Thursday's action is centered on Ford’s analyst upgrade and its CES driver-assistance roadmap. Investors are watching upcoming Q4 results to gauge execution on EV and software plans.

How the markets moved today

The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) finished flat at 6,921, while the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) slipped 0.44% to 23,480. Within the Automotive industry peers, General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) rose 3.89% and 0.70%, respectively, as investors weigh hybrid demand trends and competitive EV positioning.

What this means for investors

Ford stock surged to a new 52-week high today after an analyst upgrade and a well-received presentation at the recent CES convention in Las Vegas. Piper Sandler upgraded Ford to the equivalent of a buy rating, raising its price target from $11 to $16.

That upgrade came after the automaker impressed analysts with its autonomous driving technology plan for Level 3 “eyes-off” system by 2028, built on a new EV platform. A successful push into autonomy software could drive future revenue and profit sources for Ford.

Last week, Ford increased its 2025 earnings outlook, even as it booked nearly $20 billion in charges related to changes in its electric vehicle business plan. That focus on profitability has investors boosting Ford stock.

Howard Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.