Gary Zhou 
- 📉 Tesla is no longer the world’s most-shorted stock; it now holds the third position.
- 🍏 Short interest in Tesla is behind tech giants Apple and Microsoft.
- 💰 Approximately $18.51 billion worth of Tesla shares are held as short bets.
- 📊 Apple leads with about $18.63 billion, while Microsoft follows with $18.61 billion in shorted shares.
- 📈 Tesla still maintains the highest short interest among the “Magnificent 7” mega-cap companies.
- 🚗 3.06% of Tesla’s stock float is shorted, retaining a significant position within its peer group.
- 📉 Short-sellers targeting Tesla faced losses, with $12.5 billion lost in 2023, marking a 64.64% decrease in average short interest.
- 💡 Since 2010, Tesla shorts have incurred losses totaling about $61.9 billion, surpassing the market cap of major automakers like Ford and General Motors.
- 🔄 The “Magnificent 7” includes Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, NVIDIA, Tesla, and Meta, with varying levels of short interest.
- 💼 Shorted shares in other “Magnificent 7” companies range from $6.28 billion for Alphabet to $14.26 billion for NVIDIA.
In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, certain stocks become focal points for investors and short-sellers alike. Tesla, the trailblazing electric car manufacturer, has been a constant subject of scrutiny and speculation. In this comprehensive analysis, we unravel the intricacies of Tesla’s short interest, shedding light on its current position, historical trends, and the broader implications for both investors and the automotive industry.
Understanding the Shift: Tesla’s Short Interest Takes Third Place
The winds of change are evident as Tesla relinquishes its title as the world’s most-shorted stock, settling into the third position. Let’s delve into the key data points shaping this shift:
- Short Interest Rankings: Tesla’s short interest is now superseded by tech giants Apple and Microsoft, indicating a reshuffling of priorities among short-sellers in the market.
- Financial Magnitude: Approximately $18.51 billion worth of Tesla shares are held as short bets, emphasizing the substantial financial stakes involved in betting against the electric car pioneer.
The Tech Giants Lead: Apple and Microsoft at the Helm
As Tesla adjusts to its new standing, Apple and Microsoft emerge as the frontrunners in short interest rankings:
- Apple’s Short Interest: Holding the top spot, Apple boasts about $18.63 billion in shorted shares, underscoring the persistent scrutiny faced by even the most prominent players in the tech industry.
- Microsoft’s Position: Following closely, Microsoft secures the second position with $18.61 billion in shorted shares, showcasing a competitive landscape where even established tech giants are not immune to short-seller attention.
Tesla’s Dominance Among the “Magnificent 7”
While Tesla may have slipped in the overall rankings, it still maintains a prominent position within the elite group known as the “Magnificent 7.” This group, comprising Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, NVIDIA, Tesla, and Meta, continues to wield significant influence in the market.
- Tesla’s Short Interest in Perspective: Tesla retains the highest short interest among the “Magnificent 7,” with 3.06% of its stock float being shorted. This statistic reaffirms Tesla’s significance within its peer group.
The Ripple Effect: Short-Sellers and Market Dynamics
The journey of Tesla’s short interest is not just a numerical saga; it tells a tale of financial strategies and market dynamics:
- Short-Sellers’ Losses: In 2023, short-sellers targeting Tesla incurred losses amounting to $12.5 billion, marking a 64.64% decrease in average short interest. This challenges the conventional wisdom that shorting Tesla is a foolproof strategy.
- Historical Perspective: Since 2010, Tesla shorts have faced cumulative losses of about $61.9 billion. This staggering figure surpasses the market capitalization of major automakers like Ford and General Motors today, highlighting the resilience of Tesla against short-selling endeavors.
The “Magnificent 7”: A Tapestry of Short Interest
Beyond Tesla, the other members of the “Magnificent 7” also bear the weight of short-seller scrutiny:
- Diverse Short Interest Levels: Shorted shares in other “Magnificent 7” companies range from $6.28 billion for Alphabet to $14.26 billion for NVIDIA, portraying a spectrum of short interest levels within this elite group.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complex Landscape
As Tesla redefines its position in the short interest hierarchy, investors and market enthusiasts are left to navigate a complex landscape. The interplay of financial strategies, market forces, and the resilience of certain stocks paints a vivid picture of the dynamic nature of the financial world.
In a market where short interest can shape narratives and influence stock prices, Tesla’s journey remains a compelling saga worth monitoring. Whether you’re an investor, analyst, or simply an avid follower of market trends, the story of Tesla’s short interest offers valuable insights into the intricate dance between optimism and skepticism in the financial realm.
