Alphabet's $6.18 Billion Volume Ranks 10th as DEI Shifts and Legal Settlements Weigh on Stock

On August 5, 2025, Alphabet (GOOGL) closed with a 0.19% decline, trading a $6.18 billion volume—ranked 10th in market activity. The stock’s muted performance follows recent strategic shifts and legal developments.

Google announced the removal of over 50 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-focused organizations from its public support list, as reported by the Tech Transparency Project. The company attributed the changes to evolving federal policies, including President Trump’s January 2025 executive order targeting DEI initiatives. Despite this, CEO Sundar Pichai affirmed Alphabet’s commitment to workforce diversity, emphasizing compliance with local laws while maintaining inclusive hiring goals.

Legal pressures also impacted Alphabet, with a $28 million settlement resolving allegations of racial bias in promotions and raises. The case, involving a former employee and 6,632 others, highlighted ongoing scrutiny of tech firms’ DEI practices. The settlement aligns with broader industry trends, as companies like Microsoft and Meta scale back DEI commitments amid political and legal challenges.

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