12:03 PM EST, 11/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- All three major US stock indexes were down in midday trading Monday, as investors await the results of the US presidential election and the the decision by the Federal Reserve's rate-setting committee later this week.

In company news, Ford Motor ( F ) said Monday it sold 172,756 vehicles in October, a 15.2% gain from the same period in 2023. Electric vehicle sales in October were down 8.3% year over year to 6,264, while hybrid and internal combustion vehicle sales were up 38.5% and 14.1% to 18,224 vehicles and 148,268 vehicles, respectively. Separately, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday it has closed an investigation into more than 411,000 Ford SUVs and pickup trucks due to issues related to "allegations of loss of motive power." Ford shares were up 1.5% near noon.

Air Transport Services Group ( ATSG ) said Monday it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by alternative investment firm Stonepeak in an all-cash deal valued at about $3.1 billion. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, the company said. Air Transport Services Group ( ATSG ) shares were up 26.5%.

B. Riley Financial-backed (RILY) Franchise Group on Sunday began voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, B. Riley said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. B. Riley shares were down nearly 13%.

Talen Energy ( TLN ) shares fell in recent trading following a US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision to reject an amended interconnection agreement to increase the capacity of an Amazon.com ( AMZN ) data center connected to Talen's Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. Talen Energy ( TLN ) shares were down 3.3%, while those of Amazon ( AMZN ) were down 1.5%.

Blackstone (BX) is in advanced talks to acquire Retail Opportunity Investments ( ROIC ) , Reuters reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. A deal, if struck, could be finalized in the coming weeks, Reuters reported, citing the people. Blackstone shares were down 0.6%, while those of Retail Opportunity Investments ( ROIC ) were up nearly 7%.

Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) said Monday it appointed Rakesh Gangwal as independent board chair, effective immediately. Southwest ( LUV ) shares were down 1.1%.

Tesla's (TSLA) sales of China-made electric vehicles fell 5.3% year over year to 68,280 units in October, multiple media outlets reported Monday, citing data from the China Passenger Car Association. Tesla shares were down 1.8%.

Price: 10.40, Change: +0.17, Percent Change: +1.71