New York, February 24, 2026, 06:02 EST — Premarket
- Tesla dropped 2.9% to end Monday at $399.83, tracking the wider U.S. risk-off move.
- Fresh uncertainty over U.S. tariffs is on the table, while debates on safety and liability for assisted driving technology are also in focus for investors.
- Traders are eyeing U.S. consumer confidence numbers due later Tuesday, with Nvidia’s results set for Wednesday and U.S. PPI figures coming Friday.
Tesla finished Monday at $399.83, slipping 2.9% and dipping below the $400 mark as markets retreated. With traders eyeing tariffs, tech risk, and renewed scrutiny on self-driving, the stock looks primed for more headline swings. (MarketWatch)
Tesla’s shares often see sharper moves than the broader market during pullbacks from high-growth stocks. This week brings plenty of triggers—a key U.S. data release, plus a crucial tech earnings report—that could shake up rates and risk sentiment.
Wall Street slid Monday, with investors rattled by fresh concerns over artificial intelligence disruption and shifting U.S. trade policy. “You’ve seen the market react to headlines, it’s ‘sell first, assess later,’” said Tom Hainlin, national investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management. The Dow lost 1.66%, the S&P 500 slipped 1.04%, while the Nasdaq shed 1.13%. (Reuters)
Fresh trade nerves hit markets Tuesday as U.S. Customs and Border Protection slapped a 10% tariff on imports that didn’t qualify for exemptions, acting on President Donald Trump’s proclamation. The Financial Times cited a White House official who said the tariff could climb to 15% down the line, according to Reuters. (Reuters)
Tesla’s pitch for “autonomy” is getting new attention. On the industry’s scale, Level 2 assisted-driving means drivers still have to keep their eyes on the road, while Level 3 allows looking away when conditions allow; Tesla’s Full Self-Driving remains at Level 2, according to Reuters. John Krafcik, former Waymo CEO, didn’t mince words: “Those carmakers who have attempted an L3 system… are finding that the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.” Tesla is sticking to a different route, betting on full autonomy and eyeing a rollout of its robotaxi service in select U.S. cities by mid-2026. (Reuters)
Competition isn’t letting up, particularly outside the U.S. ACEA figures showed a 3.5% drop in January car sales across Europe compared to the previous year. Tesla registrations tumbled 17%, stretching their losing streak to 13 months. BYD, on the other hand, posted a 165% jump in registrations, according to Reuters. (Reuters)
Tesla shareholders face an uncomfortable blend: weaker volumes alongside escalating price wars, plus hefty outlays paired with lofty commitments. That combination exposes the stock to sharp moves whenever tech sentiment shifts.
Still, there’s a sticking point. Broader tariffs could quickly upend costs and shake up demand forecasts, and any fresh scrutiny or liability fights over driver-assistance features might dampen bullish bets on robotaxi and software profits. Conversely, a surge in risk appetite alone is sometimes enough to boost Tesla, even if there’s no news out of the company.
Traders are eyeing the Conference Board’s U.S. consumer confidence numbers, set for release at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, searching for signals on consumer spending and prospects for growth. (Conference Board)
Nvidia’s earnings report hits Wednesday, a key test for the AI theme that’s defined tech trading. “This earnings in particular is important because people are so concerned about AI spending — whether we’re in a bubble,” said Ivana Delevska, chief investment officer at Spear Invest, which holds Nvidia via an ETF. Out on February 27 at 8:30 a.m. ET, investors will also be watching the latest U.S. Producer Price Index, a wholesale inflation measure. (Reuters)
