Wall Street Slumps After Jobs Report; Pfizer Plunges as Revenue Forecast Dims

• Why Did Wall Street Stumble Today?
• Pfizer’s Pain: What’s Behind the 5% Crash?
• Economic Crosscurrents: Jobs vs. Spending
• Corporate Spotlight: Ford, Kraft Heinz, and Big Tech
• Market Technicals: What Charts Reveal
• FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

U.S. stocks retreated on December 17, 2025, following a mixed November jobs report that showed stronger-than-expected payroll growth but a rising unemployment rate. Pfizer led the declines, tumbling over 5% after slashing its 2025 revenue target. Meanwhile, economic indicators like retail sales and PMI data signaled slowing growth. In corporate news, Ford announced strategic shifts, Kraft Heinz appointed a new CEO, and TotalEnergies inked a major green energy deal with Google. Here’s a DEEP dive into the day’s market-moving events.

Why Did Wall Street Stumble Today?

The Dow Jones dropped 0.41% to 48,218 points, while the Nasdaq fell 0.25% to 23,000 points as investors digested conflicting labor market signals. November saw 64,000 jobs added—beating expectations of 50,000—but unemployment crept up to 4.6%. Wage growth also slowed to 0.1% monthly, below the 0.3% forecast. "This 'goldilocks isn't perfect' report explains the market's hesitation," noted BTCC analyst James Li. "Strong hiring can't fully offset concerns about consumer spending power."

Pfizer’s Pain: What’s Behind the 5% Crash?

Pfizer (PFE) shares nosedived 5.15% to $25.06 after revising its 2025 revenue guidance down to ~$62 billion from $61-64 billion. The pharmaceutical giant cited weaker-than-anticipated demand for COVID-related products and pipeline delays. This marks a stark reversal from its four-day rally earlier in the week. "Investors are treating Pfizer like yesterday's vaccine hero," quipped one trader on X. The company now trades at just 12x forward earnings—a 30% discount to its pre-pandemic average.

Economic Crosscurrents: Jobs vs. Spending

Beyond the headline jobs number, concerning trends emerged:

• Retail sales flatlined in October after a 0.1% September gain
• PMI Composite fell to 53 in December (vs. 53.9 expected), hitting a 6-month low
• Unemployment rose 0.2 points to 4.6%, the highest since January 2025

Source: TradingView economic calendar

Corporate Spotlight: Ford, Kraft Heinz, and Big Tech

Ford’s $19.5 Billion Reality Check

Ford (F) announced a massive strategic pivot, booking $19.5B in charges as it abandons certain large EV models due to weak demand. "We're reallocating capital to higher-return opportunities," stated CEO Jim Farley. The MOVE comes as EV adoption rates lag projections across the industry.

Kraft Heinz Gets a New Recipe

Steve Cahillane will take over as CEO effective January 1, 2026, replacing Carlos Abrams-Rivera. The leadership shakeup accompanies Kraft Heinz's planned separation into two publicly traded companies—Global Taste Elevation Co. and a yet-to-be-named entity.

Google Goes Green in Malaysia

TotalEnergies (TTE) signed a 21-year power purchase agreement to supply Google with 1TWh of solar energy annually from its upcoming Kedah province facility. The deal highlights Big Tech's aggressive renewable energy targets.

Market Technicals: What Charts Reveal

The S&P 500's daily chart shows:

Source: TradingView technical analysis

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Why did Pfizer lower guidance?

Pfizer cited weaker COVID product demand and delays in its drug pipeline. The $62B revised target reflects more conservative assumptions about vaccine booster uptake and new treatment approvals.

Is the jobs report good or bad?

It's mixed—strong hiring suggests economic resilience, but rising unemployment and slowing wage growth hint at potential weakness. Markets dislike uncertainty, hence the pullback.

What's next for Ford's EV strategy?

Ford will focus on profitable EV segments like commercial vehicles while scaling back ambitious passenger car plans. More hybrids are likely coming.