Tesla Stock (TSLA) Climbs Amid Volatility, as EV Financing in China Aims to Boost Sales

Tesla Outperforms Tech Stocks Despite Market Uncertainty

Tesla’s stock has shown resilience in the face of broader market volatility, outperforming both tech stocks and traditional automakers last week. While the majority of tech stocks ended the week in the red, Tesla managed to climb nearly 6%, signaling relative strength. Despite a 50% decline since mid-December, the stock has repeatedly found solid support at the crucial $220 level, reinforced by key moving averages on the weekly chart.

Tesla Stock Chart Weekly – Trying to Close the Gap

This stability suggested a potential bullish reversal, leading some analysts to highlight it as a buying opportunity over the weekend ahead of anticipated U.S. auto tariffs. While broader stock markets initially surged early last week, the arrival of tariffs dampened sentiment. Even as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq opened lower today, Tesla has managed to recover some ground during the U.S. session. However, the stock remains down 3.5% for the day, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty.

New Loan Offers Aim to Boost Slowing Sales

Tesla is ramping up its efforts to revive demand in China by introducing attractive financing options for potential buyers. The company is now offering an interest-free five-year loan for Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Long-Range trims purchased before April 30. For other models, Tesla is providing a three-year loan with a highly competitive interest rate.

These incentives come as Tesla’s sales in China have declined by 35%, with local competitor BYD continuing to dominate the world’s largest EV market. By lowering the financial barrier for customers, Tesla aims to regain market share and boost sales, countering the increasing competition from domestic brands.

Long-Term Optimism: Ron Baron Predicts $5 Trillion Valuation

Billionaire investor Ron Baron, founder of Baron Capital, remains highly optimistic about Tesla’s long-term prospects. In a recent CNBC interview, Baron stated that he expects Tesla’s market valuation to grow from its current ~$1 trillion to $5 trillion over the next decade, implying a potential 400% stock price increase.

Supporting this bullish outlook are Tesla’s record-breaking vehicle deliveries in Q4 2024. The company delivered nearly 500K vehicles, setting a new high. Additionally, the adoption of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has accelerated, particularly following the release of Version 12, further solidifying Tesla’s position as an industry leader in AI-powered autonomous driving.

Conclusion

Tesla continues to demonstrate resilience despite broader market weakness and China’s competitive EV landscape. While short-term challenges, such as tariffs and slowing China sales, pose risks, the company’s strong Q4 deliveries, aggressive pricing strategies, and FSD advancements support a positive long-term outlook. Investors will be watching closely to see if Tesla can maintain momentum and capitalize on these growth opportunities.