Tesla’s Shares Surge 16% in Two Days, Short Sellers Lose $3.5 Billion. Tesla (TSLA) stock is on a tear, rallying 16% in just two days following an upbeat quarterly deliveries update. This bull run has cost short sellers a staggering $3.5 billion. Among those affected is a surprising name: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Elon Musk, known for his outspoken nature, took to Twitter on Thursday evening to call out the short sellers, specifically naming Gates. “Once Tesla fully solves autonomy and has Optimus in volume production,” Musk tweeted, “anyone still holding a short position will be obliterated. Even Gates.” Gates has confirmed to Musk’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, that he holds a short position against Tesla, betting that the stock price would fall.
Despite Gates’ bearish stance, Tesla’s stock has been on a significant upward trajectory. Over the past two trading days alone, shares of the EV maker soared by more than 16%, driven by strong delivery numbers. This surge in Tesla’s stock price led to substantial losses for short sellers. According to data firm S3 Partners, short sellers faced over $3.5 billion in losses during this period.
Currently, short interest in Tesla stock stands at 3.5%, with 97 million shares shorted, equating to a notional value of $22.4 billion. The recent rally has pushed Tesla shares up more than 75% over the past two months, highlighting the volatile and unpredictable nature of the stock market.
Elon Musk’s tweet underscores the ongoing battle between Tesla’s supporters and its skeptics. As Tesla continues to innovate and expand its market presence, the company’s stock remains a focal point of interest for investors and short sellers alike. The recent surge in Tesla’s stock price serves as a reminder of the risks involved in short selling, especially when betting against a company with strong growth potential and a dedicated fan base.
With Tesla’s shares continuing to rise, it remains to be seen how long short sellers like Gates will maintain their positions. For now, Tesla’s strong performance in the stock market is a win for Musk and his supporters, while short sellers are left to reconsider their strategies. Tesla’s Shares Surge 16% in Two Days, Short Sellers Lose $3.5 Billion.
