Becker Business Podcast: "7 Stories We Are Following Today" (October 21, 2025)

Host: Scott Becker
Episode Overview:
In this concise news update episode, Scott Becker distills seven notable business and investing headlines relevant for October 21, 2025. The focus is on major market movers, company performance, leadership trends, and reflections on recent interviews in the business world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. General Motors Stock Surges

• [00:22] GM's stock is surging 7-8% this morning due to an improved forecast.
• The company now believes U.S.-China tariffs may not have as large an impact as previously expected.
• Scott comments on the business trend of companies seeking "some third party element to blame for whatever's going on," and says GM has had to "take that back a little bit, reassess, and that's where they're at currently."
• Memorable Moment:

  "General Motors stock is surging this morning for the first time in a long time on improved forecast. It's up 7 to 8% this morning."
  — Scott Becker ([00:22])

2. Oracle's Leadership Shift & Market Movement

• [01:00] Oracle stock dropped almost 5% yesterday but remains up 66% year to date.
• The company is transitioning to a dual CEO structure as Larry Ellison steps back, though he will "stay heavily involved."
• Scott notes the industry will be watching closely to see the impact of the dual CEO approach.

3. Alliance Bernstein Asset Growth

• [01:27] Alliance Bernstein now manages $860 billion in assets, up nearly 7% year to date.
• Serving as a benchmark for sustained professional growth in financial services.

4. Apple Bounces Back in Market Cap

• [01:48] Apple had its first record close since December and has jumped nearly 4% yesterday.
• Apple is now back to number two in market capitalization, trailing only Nvidia.
• Quote:

  “Apple is bouncing back. It is now number two in market cap after Nvidia.”
  — Scott Becker ([01:48])

5. Salesforce Misses Out on AI Boom

• [02:13] Salesforce is down 23% year to date, noticeably missing the 2025 AI-driven stock boom.
• Cites a Yahoo Finance discussion questioning why CEO Marc Benioff has failed to rally Salesforce’s stock alongside other tech leaders.

6. FTI Consulting’s Difficult Year

• [02:43] FTI Consulting is down 20% year to date.
• Noted personal interest: Becker mentions following the company partially due to a colleague working there, and he praises their "great human capital," predicting a potential rebound.

7. Reflections on MO M02 Properties Leadership Interview

• [03:09] Scott reflects on a recent interview with Ken Motu and Michael Mutu of MO M02 Properties on private equity leadership and real estate.
• He describes them as "absolutely great leaders" and calls the conversation “really, really fun.”

Notable Quotes

• “They [GM] had to take that back a little bit, reassess and that's where they're at currently, but surging this morning.”
  — Scott Becker ([00:35])
• “They're moving towards dual CEOs and we'll see how that goes… Larry Ellison will stay heavily involved.”
  — Scott Becker ([01:04])
• “Salesforce is down 23% year to date... why CEO Marc Benioff has seen a stock totally sit out the 2025 AI boom.”
  — Scott Becker ([02:13])
• “It was fantastic yesterday to talk leadership and real estate… Absolutely great leaders. That was really, really fun.”
  — Scott Becker ([03:09])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• General Motors’ Surge: 00:22–00:45
• Oracle Market & Leadership Update: 01:00–01:13
• Alliance Bernstein Asset Growth: 01:27–01:37
• Apple’s Market Rebound: 01:48–02:09
• Salesforce & the AI Boom: 02:13–02:32
• FTI Consulting’s Performance: 02:43–03:02
• MO M02 Properties Interview Reflection: 03:09–03:22

Summary

Scott Becker delivers a rapid-fire update on seven significant stories shaping today’s business landscape—spanning surges and slumps in major stocks, leadership shifts, and industry insights. The tone is direct, observant, and peppered with personal and professional reflections, making this episode a quick yet valuable listen for business enthusiasts.