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 sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
International Stock News

What exactly does Nvidia do?

You know the name, but do you know what the company actually does?

Read more »

Blue electric vehicle on a green rising arrow with a charger hanging out.
International Stock News

Tesla share price jumps 13% as Elon throws a Hail Mary

Profits almost halved and investors are scrambling to buy shares. Make it make sense.

Read more »

A young woman sits on her lounge looking pleasantly surprised at what she's seeing on her laptop screen as she reads about the South32 share price
International Stock News

2 US artificial intelligence (AI) stocks that could beat Nvidia in the coming decades

These two companies are on track to benefit from the adoption of AI in big industries.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
International Stock News

Is it too late to buy Nvidia stock?

Nvidia stock has soared over 220% in the last year, but now could still be as good a time as…

Read more »

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 »