Ford's EV Strategy Shift - Ford is taking a $19.5 billion write-down of its electric vehicle division due to weak demand, high costs, and regulatory changes [3] - The company will end production of the current generation F-150 Lightning and focus on hybrids, extended range vehicles, and smaller EV models [5] - By 2030, Ford aims for approximately 50% of its global volume to consist of hybrids, extended range EVs, and pure EVs, up from 17% currently [5] Financial Projections - Ford raised its 2025 EBIT estimate to $7 billion from a previous range of $6 billion to $6.5 billion and confirmed free cash flow guidance of $2 billion to $3 billion for 2025 [4] Production and Infrastructure Changes - The next generation of the F-150 Lightning will utilize an extended range electric vehicle architecture and will be assembled at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan [6] - Ford plans to convert its Kentucky and Michigan EV battery plants to produce energy cells for the electric grid and data center demand [6] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Ford's shares increased by 2% in after-hours trading, while Tesla shares fell slightly, and General Motors and Stellantis remained unchanged [7]

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq is planning to submit paperwork to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to implement round-the-clock trading of stocks, aiming to meet the growing global demand for US equities [1][2]. Group 1: Trading Hours Expansion - Nasdaq intends to extend trading hours from 16 hours to 23 hours, five days a week, transitioning from three daily sessions to two [5][6]. - The new trading schedule will start on Sunday at 9pm and end on Friday at 8pm, with a day session from 4am to 8pm and a night session from 9pm to 4am [8]. Group 2: Market Demand and Globalization - The US stock market accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global market value of listed companies, with foreign holdings of US equities reaching $17 trillion last year [2]. - There is a notable trend towards globalization in US markets, with increasing demand from international investors for access to US equities [4][12]. Group 3: Regulatory and Operational Considerations - Nasdaq has begun discussions with regulators and anticipates launching nonstop trading in the second half of 2026 [3]. - Successful implementation of round-the-clock trading will depend on upgrades to the securities information processor and the US Depository Trust and Clearing Corp.'s plans for nonstop clearing by the end of 2026 [9]. Group 4: Investor Behavior and Market Dynamics - Advocates for round-the-clock trading argue it will enable quicker reactions to market developments for investors outside the US, although major Wall Street banks express caution regarding potential liquidity and volatility issues [10]. - Current off-exchange trading venues are utilized by investors seeking 24/7 trading options, indicating a growing demand for such services [11].

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq is planning to submit paperwork to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to implement round-the-clock trading of stocks, aiming to meet the growing global demand for U.S. equities [1][2]. Group 1: Trading Hours Expansion - Nasdaq intends to extend trading hours from 16 hours to 23 hours, five days a week, transitioning from three daily sessions to two [4]. - The new trading schedule will start on Sunday at 9 p.m. and end on Friday at 8 p.m., with a one-hour break for maintenance and clearing of trades [6]. Group 2: Market Demand and Globalization - There has been a significant increase in investor demand for nonstop trading in U.S. stocks, with total foreign holdings of U.S. equities reaching $17 trillion last year [2]. - The U.S. stock market accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global market value of listed companies, indicating its importance in the global financial landscape [2]. Group 3: Regulatory and Operational Considerations - Nasdaq's filing with the SEC represents its first formal step towards implementing round-the-clock trading, with expectations to launch in the second half of 2026 [2]. - Successful implementation will depend on upgrades to the securities information processor and the U.S. Depository Trust and Clearing Corp.'s rollout of nonstop clearing by the end of 2026 [6]. Group 4: Investor Behavior and Market Dynamics - Advocates for round-the-clock trading argue it will enable investors, particularly those outside the U.S., to respond more swiftly to market developments [7]. - Despite the demand for extended trading hours, major Wall Street banks express caution due to concerns about liquidity, volatility, and investment returns [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq is planning to submit paperwork to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to initiate round-the-clock trading of stocks, aiming to meet the growing global demand for U.S. equities [1][2]. Group 1: Market Demand and Regulatory Changes - There has been a significant increase in investor demand for nonstop trading in U.S. stocks, leading regulators to introduce new rules and approve proposals from major exchanges for extended trading hours [2]. - The U.S. stock market accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global market value of listed companies, with total foreign holdings of U.S. equities reaching $17 trillion last year [2]. Group 2: Nasdaq's Trading Plans - Nasdaq's filing with the SEC represents its first formal step towards implementing round-the-clock trading, which is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 [3]. - The exchange plans to extend trading hours from 16 hours to 23 hours, five days a week, transitioning to two daily trading sessions [5]. - The new trading schedule will start on Sunday at 9 p.m. and conclude on Friday at 8 p.m., with a one-hour break for maintenance and clearing of trades [6].