Tesla shares surged 3.6% to $475.31 on December 15, 2025—nearing the prior record—fueled by AI and robotics optimism, rebounding from last week's dip amid November U.S. sales drop and insider selling. Trading volume hit 113.6 million shares amid broader market weakness.
Following the December 12 stock dip triggered by a 23% U.S. November sales plunge to 39,800 vehicles (lowest since January 2022), Europe’s 48.5% drop, and board member Kimbal Musk’s $25.6 million share sale, Tesla shares rallied sharply on December 15. The stock climbed as high as 4.9% to $481.37 before closing up 3.6% at $475.31, approaching the December 2024 record of $479.86. Shares have more than doubled from an early April low amid tariff-related turmoil.
Investor enthusiasm centers on Tesla’s AI pivot, including CEO Elon Musk’s social media post on fully driverless robotaxi tests in Austin—building on plans to remove safety monitors soon—and a new FSD model for early 2026. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives maintained a $600 target, forecasting a $2 trillion market cap by 2026 as a 'monster year.' Shareholders recently approved Musk’s trillion-dollar pay package.
Challenges persist: Q3 results disappointed with rising costs despite record sales before the EV tax credit expired. Bears like Michael Burry label it overvalued, with critics citing 'irrational exuberance' driven by sentiment over fundamentals. Analyst consensus remains Hold (average $399). Broader markets fell, S&P 500 down 0.16% to 6,816, Nasdaq off 0.59% to 23,057.
