General Motors found a way to combat tariff and economic fears: return cash to shareholders. GM shares rose early Wednesday after the company unveiled plans to hand investors billions in more cash. The automaker hiked its quarterly dividend payout by 25% to 15 cents a share from 12 cents and said its board authorized a new $6 billion share repurchase plan.

General Motors Co.’s stock jumped 4.2% early Wednesday, after the auto giant said its board has approved a 3 cent-per-share increase in its quarterly dividend in addition to a new $6 billion share-buyback authorization.