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Tesla’s Troubles Deepen as Wall Street Slashes Forecasts and Stock Crashes Again

Tesla’s stock took another hit on Monday, plunging nearly 5% to $238, making it the worst-performing stock among S&P 500 companies valued over $100 billion. While the broader market continued its recovery, Tesla’s downward spiral intensified, driven by weakening sales, geopolitical risks, and declining brand perception.

Wall Street Turns On Tesla

Investment firm Mizuho cut its price target for Tesla by $85, bringing it down to $430, while slashing its 2025 vehicle delivery forecast from 2.3 million to 1.8 million—a 20% drop. The revision comes amid:

  • Plunging sales in key markets: U.S. sales fell 2%, China sales collapsed 49%, and German sales plunged 76%, even as local EV markets grew significantly.
  • Intensifying competition: Chinese automakers, buoyed by aggressive pricing and government incentives, are rapidly eroding Tesla’s dominance.
  • A fractured brand: Tesla’s reputation is suffering, particularly in Europe, where Elon Musk’s political views have alienated consumers.

Mizuho’s downgrade aligns with other Wall Street powerhouses, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and UBS, all of which have lowered their expectations for Tesla’s future performance.

A Brand In Crisis?

JPMorgan analysts issued a stark warning last week: “We can hardly find an analog in the history of the automotive industry where a brand has lost so much value in such a short period.” Tesla’s weakening brand perception in the U.S. and Europe is being compounded by Musk’s increasingly public political stance, particularly in Germany, where Tesla’s market share has collapsed.

Adding to Tesla’s challenges, the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies are now threatening its core business. Tesla recently urged the U.S. Trade Representative to reconsider the timeline of tariffs, warning that certain key EV components are difficult or impossible to source domestically.

The Big Picture: A Tumbling Stock, A Shrinking Fortune

Tesla’s stock has now lost 41% of its value since the start of the year, making it the second-biggest loser on the S&P 500. Despite Monday’s drop, Tesla shares are still up 7% from last week, when the company suffered its worst one-day decline in over four years—a staggering 15% plunge amid fears of economic instability.

For Elon Musk, the financial blow has been severe. While he remains the world’s richest person with a net worth of $329 billion, his fortune has shrunk by more than $130 billion since Tesla’s stock peaked at $480 per share in December.

What’s Next For Tesla?

Tesla’s future now hinges on multiple fronts—from rebuilding its brand and stabilizing global sales to navigating an increasingly hostile regulatory and economic environment. With Wall Street turning bearish, competition heating up, and Musk’s political entanglements adding uncertainty, Tesla’s next moves could determine whether this is a temporary setback or the start of a long-term decline.

Price Shifts: Temu And Shein React To Upcoming Tariffs

The online shopping world experienced a jolt as Temu and Shein, popular e-commerce platforms, recently adjusted their prices due to impending tariff changes. These platforms, known for offering budget-friendly options, have echoed with changes that might surprise many shoppers.

What Sparked the Price Hike?

Effective next week, a significant tariff will impact goods imported from China. This tariff follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on May 2. This exemption previously allowed American shoppers to skip tariffs on items valued under $800. The new tariff demands a 120% fee or a flat $100 per postal item, increasing to $200 come June 1.

For instance, Temu’s two patio chairs jumped from $61.72 to $70.17 overnight, while a bathing suit on Shein saw a 91% surge in price. Yet, the price landscape isn’t consistently upward; a smart ring on Temu dropped by $3.

Implications for Consumers

Due to economic shifts and evolving trade rules, both Shein and Temu emphasized their efforts to maintain quality and affordability despite costlier operational expenses. They advised consumers to shop before April 25 to dodge the upcoming hikes, though it’s uncertain if this timing affects the 120% tariff applicability.

Impact on Lower-Income Households

The discontinuation of the “de minimis” exemption is poised to hit lower-income families hardest. Reports indicate these households spend a higher income proportion on apparel, and this change could burden them further.

Further economic insights highlight how industries adjust to challenges, such as in the face of AI-driven changes, potentially offsetting emissions concerns with economic gains.

For buyers and businesses alike, the shifting sands of trade laws call for adaptability and forethought.

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