Why Tesla shares popped then dropped today

Tesla's Shanghai plant may temporarily suspend operations for two weeks.

| More on:
tesla model 3

Image source: Tesla

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 

Investors pushed the share price of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) up 4% this morning, likely after the electric vehicle (EV) stock made double-digit percentage gains yesterday following comments by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. But by midday today, the EV stock had given up nearly all of its early gains and was essentially flat as of 3 p.m. ET. 

So why the retreat? It may have to do with Tesla's Shanghai factory. 

So what 

Reuters reported today that Tesla's Shanghai factory will suspend operations for two weeks as the EV company makes some upgrades to the factory. That's not earth-shattering news for the company or its investors, but the temporary closure comes on the heels of the plant suspending operations this spring due to COVID-19.

Investors may be overreacting a bit to this news because they're still a bit nervous about any reports about the Shanghai plant stopping its operations. China's strict zero-COVID policy caused the factory to halt production for 22 days back in the spring and resulted in the company missing some production goals for the plant. 

But the plant upgrades should actually be a good thing for Tesla and investors. Reuters reports that the upgrades should help the EV company increase output at the plant to a new record high and help the factory reach a weekly production of 22,000 vehicles. 

Now what 

It's not surprising that investors are a bit nervous about the news of a plant temporarily suspending operations, but Tesla shareholders shouldn't be concerned about today's news. 

The temporary suspension of the plant should ultimately help the company produce more vehicles and keep the company on track to make even more vehicles this year than last. 

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

Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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 Scott Phillips.

More on International Stock News

A woman holds a soldering tool as she sits in front of a computer screen while working on the manufacturing of technology equipment in a laboratory environment.
International Stock News

Up nearly 80% this year, does Nvidia stock have room for more?

Nvidia's stock added a lot of its gains the day after Q4 earnings.

Read more »

Piggy bank on an electric charger.
International Stock News

If you'd invested $1,000 in Tesla stock 5 years ago, here's how much you'd have today

Tesla bears may not have noticed it, but Tesla profits are forecast to 3x over the next five years.

Read more »

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
International Stock News

Bull vs. bear: Can the S&P 500 keep rising in 2024?

We review the bull and bear case for the S&P 500 this year.

Read more »

woman with coffee on phone with Tesla
International Stock News

Why Tesla stock put pedal to metal today

Tesla's robotaxi is coming in August.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
International Stock News

If you invested $10,000 in Nvidia stock the day ChatGPT came out, this is how much you'd have today

Buying Nvidia when the disruptive AI chatbot launched would have been a smart move.

Read more »

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

Why Tesla stock was climbing today

Investors were encouraged by news of a price hike on the Model Y.

Read more »

Plate with coloured wedges being parcelled out like a slice of pie representing a share split
International Stock News

Stock-split watch: Is Nvidia next?

Nvidia last split its stock when it traded for a pre-split $744 in 2021.

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
International Stock News

1 Wall Street analyst thinks Tesla stock is going to $125. Is it a sell?

Tesla is no longer a magnificent stock, according to a Wells Fargo analyst.

Read more »