As of April 15, 2025, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is trading at $252.35, reflecting a modest 0.08% decrease from the previous close. The stock has experienced significant volatility in recent months, influenced by various factors including trade policies, leadership decisions, and market competition.
Key Developments:
-
Trade Policy Impact:
In April 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign-made vehicles, set to expand to parts in May. While automakers like General Motors and Ford saw stock gains following the announcement, Tesla's stock declined by 1.9%. Analysts project that these tariffs could add $100 billion annually to industry costs, increasing average car prices by $5,000–$15,000 and reducing new car sales by 15–20% in 2025. -
Technical Indicators:
Tesla's stock recently formed a "death cross," where the 50-day moving average fell below the 200-day moving average, signaling potential loss of momentum. Despite this bearish indicator, Tesla shares rose 1.3% to $25.65 on April 15, 2025. Historically, such patterns in Tesla's stock have had mixed outcomes; after a previous death cross in February 2024, the stock later rose 15% over six months. -
Leadership and Public Perception:
Elon Musk's involvement in political activities and his association with President Trump have led to public backlash and protests. The "Tesla Takedown" movement, a grassroots protest targeting Tesla and Musk, has organized nonviolent demonstrations urging the public to divest from Tesla by selling their vehicles and shares of Tesla stock. This movement has contributed to a decline in Tesla's sales, particularly in Europe, where sales have dropped by 43% in early 2025. -
Market Competition:
Tesla's global market share is declining as it faces stiff competition from both established and emerging automakers. In the U.S., Tesla's vehicle sales dropped 8.6% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, while General Motors' EV sales surged 94%, increasing its market share to 11%. Other automakers like BMW, Nissan, and Volkswagen have also posted significant gains, further intensifying competition in the EV market.
Looking Ahead:
Investors are closely monitoring Tesla's upcoming first-quarter earnings report, expected later this month, for insights into the company's financial health and strategic direction. Analysts are also watching for any developments related to Tesla's planned low-price model and the launch of its robo-taxi service, which could serve as potential growth drivers.