Why Tesla stock fell sharply on Thursday

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated. What happened Shares of …

| More on:
A stock market chart on a red background with an arrow going down, indicating a falling share price.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

What happened

Shares of electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc(NASDAQ: TSLA) fell on Thursday, declining as much as 4.9%. As of 1.30 pm EDT, however, shares were down 4.1%.

The stock's decline is likely primarily due to a bearish day in the market for growth stocks.

So what

Many tech stocks slid sharply on Thursday. Highlighting a bearish day in the market for tech stocks is the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ: .IXIC)'s 1.5% decline as of this writing. Many growth stocks like Tesla fell even more.

Growth stocks have struggled to fully rebound after getting pounded in the second half of February and early March. Shares of these stocks seem to be taking a breather after big gains in 2020. Tesla stock is down 18% since mid-February. Its shares, however, are still well above 2021 lows below $600 in early March. But they're far from recovering to a high of more than $900.

A pullback in growth stocks has been largely attributed to rising 10-year Treasury yield rates. With improving return prospects in safer and alternative investments to equities, some investors may be pocketing gains from growth stocks and putting capital in bonds.

Now what

Tesla's stock and business have been on a roll recently.

The company reported 46% year-over-year revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2020 and analysts, on average, expect even faster growth this year.

Despite the stock's pullback from highs earlier this year, shares are up 59% over the last six months and 682% over the past 12 months. The S&P 500 Index (INDEXSP: .INX) rose 18% and 57%, respectively, during those periods.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Daniel Sparks has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. His clients may own shares of the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on International Stock News

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
International Stock News

2 no-brainer AI stocks to buy hand over fist for 2026

These two stocks are great additions to any growth portfolio.

Read more »

A Tesla car driving along a road at sunset.
International Stock News

Here's why Tesla will win the EV market

Elon Musk views robotaxis and autonomous driving as the future of the electric vehicle industry, but Tesla's automaker rivals have…

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
International Stock News

What are the 2 top artificial intelligence (AI) stocks to buy right now?

Nvidia and Alphabet are among the companies that are best positioned to benefit from the next phase of the AI…

Read more »

A corporate team stands together and looks out the window.
International Stock News

Ranking the best "Magnificent Seven" stocks to buy for 2026. Here's my no. 1.

It's not the flashiest company, but it's the best for 2026.

Read more »

A tech worker wearing a mask holds a computer chip.
International Stock News

1 incredible reason to buy Nvidia stock before Feb. 25

Nvidia stock has soared because of its impressive financial results. We'll see if it can keep the momentum going in…

Read more »

the australian flag lies alongside the united states flag on a flat surface.
International Stock News

5 most traded US stocks by Aussie investors this year

The US S&P 500 is on track to outperform the ASX 200 again this year.

Read more »

Man relaxing and watching Netflix.
International Stock News

Netflix vs. Spotify: Which streaming giant is poised for a comeback in 2026?

Both stocks are down since the middle of the year, but one has solid long-term competitive advantages.

Read more »

A head shot of legendary investor Warren Buffett speaking into a microphone at an event.
International Stock News

Warren Buffett has 23% of Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio invested in 3 artificial intelligence (AI) stocks heading into 2026

The conglomerate's long-time CEO is leaving successor Greg Abel with a stock portfolio full of great companies with enormous competitive…

Read more »