Despite Elon Musk's assertion that Tesla short sellers would be 'obliterated,' they have realized approximately $9 billion in paper gains this year. Musk's comments, made on July 2, 2024, suggested that once Tesla achieves full autonomy and mass production of the Optimus robot, those betting against the company would face significant losses.
The current situation indicates that short sellers have benefited from a nearly 30% decline in Tesla's stock price, leading to substantial unrealized gains. As of late July 2026, short sellers had accumulated around $9.08 billion in mark-to-market profits, according to data from S3 Partners. However, these gains are not guaranteed, as they could diminish if Tesla's stock rebounds.
Looking ahead, the short interest in Tesla has increased significantly, rising to nearly 80 million shares from about 60 million in March, marking a 33% increase. This trend suggests that while Musk's prediction remains unfulfilled, the dynamics of short selling in Tesla continue to evolve, warranting close observation in the coming months.
Editor's Note
The ongoing volatility in Tesla's stock highlights the complexities of short selling in the current market environment. Investors must navigate the risks associated with potential rebounds in stock prices, especially in light of technological advancements and production milestones that could shift market sentiment. The increasing short interest indicates a growing skepticism among investors regarding Tesla's near-term performance.
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