Why has the Tesla share price soared 19% in under 2 weeks?

People in China are not giving up their EV desires just yet.

| More on:
Blue electric vehicle on a green rising arrow with a charger hanging out.

Image source: Getty Images

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

The Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) share price is roaring back to life after more than a month of declines.

Shares in the electric vehicle (EV) company leapt 7.7% higher last night to US$257.18. The market-beating move means Tesla shares have rallied more than 19% in 12 days. For comparison, the broader tech-centric Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) is up a lesser 4.9% over the same timeframe.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Tesla PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL31 Dec 202230 Aug 2023Zoom ▾Jan '23Feb '23Mar '23Apr '23May '23Jun '23Jul '23Aug '23Jan '23Jan '23Mar '23Mar '23May '23May '23Jul '23Jul '23www.fool.com.au

Let's look into what's driving this newfound strength in the Tesla share price.

Weak China economy, where?

China is an attractive market for EV makers. Take a moment to consider the country's billion-plus population, growing middle class, and rapid electric vehicle adoption.

Unsurprisingly, many investors see it as a cornerstone for fueling Tesla's growth into the future. However, relying on China to generate increasing EV sales may have come into question in July.

The proverbial golden goose began showing signs of distress last month. For one, the country recorded negative consumer price inflation (known as deflation) in July — falling 0.3% year on year. Simply put, prices for goods and services were lower than last year on aggregate.

This suggests a softening economy, possibly caused by waning consumer demand. Simultaneously, China has lowered its interest rates and witnessed further financial weakness in its largest property developers — Evergrande and Country Gardens.

Tie all of this together, and it's easy to see why the Tesla share price tumbled 26% between 18 July and 18 August. However, this gloomy perspective likely changed overnight after EV rival BYD handed out its first-half results.

The China-based company's release showed revenue grew 72.7% to A$55.25 billion year on year. In addition, net profits increased by a staggering 204.7% to A$2.33 billion versus the prior corresponding period.

As such, Tesla investors may be comforted by the resilience shown by a fellow EV maker despite the tough economic conditions.

'Supercharging' the Tesla share price

Closer to home, Tesla is reportedly planning to roll out access to non-Tesla vehicles across nearly half of its Australian Supercharge stations. The move follows a successful pilot program in New South Wales.

A Tesla spokesperson commented on the announcement, stating:

This step is instrumental in encouraging more drivers to transition to electric vehicles. Under this program, select Supercharger sites have been seamlessly integrated into the Tesla app, granting non Tesla EV drivers access to Tesla's superior charging network.

While a direct financial benefit from open access is unclear, investors might see it as creating indirect value for the Tesla brand.

The Tesla share price has ascended nearly 138% in 2023.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has positions in Tesla. 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

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
International Stock News

Warren Buffett's $347 billion warning to Wall Street is ringing out loud and clear. History says this happens next.

Let's take a look.

Read more »

Warren Buffet
International Stock News

Warren Buffett nearly made his biggest investment since 2022. Here's what's holding him back.

Buffett said Berkshire came close to spending $10 billion, and he'd happily spend $100 billion.

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
International Stock News

Here's why Amazon is a brilliant buy now (Hint: It's not e-commerce)

Fortunately for investors, cloud computing is going through a massive boom.

Read more »

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

With Warren Buffett stepping down as CEO, will Berkshire Hathaway sell Apple stock?

Or will it find something else to invest in? Let's take a look.

Read more »

Man on his laptop standing next to data centres.
International Stock News

History says now is the time to buy Nvidia stock

History doesn't normally repeat itself, but it often rhymes.

Read more »

Woman relaxing and using her Apple device
International Stock News

16 words from Warren Buffett that should have Apple stock investors excited

Let's see what Buffett had to say and what it means for investors.

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
International Stock News

Prediction: Warren Buffett may be shifting out of his Berkshire Hathaway CEO role, but he's not done investing

Let's take a closer look at what may be ahead.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
International Stock News

Here's why I'm not too worried for Alphabet despite Apple's potential new AI-powered Safari search

Investors panicked when the possibility was floated, but take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Read more »