🚘 Tesla disappoints again

Good morning investors! Stocks closed slightly higher to end this short-trading week.

Today we cover:

📊 Economy and News

Iran and Oman are drafting a protocol to “monitor transit” through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media IRNA.

Iranian official Kazem Gharibabadi stated that tanker traffic through the vital oil route “should be supervised and coordinated” with both countries. He emphasized that the measures aim to facilitate safe passage and provide better services to ships, not impose restrictions.

The announcement caused an immediate positive reaction in U.S. stock markets, which had been falling sharply after President Trump signaled the Iran war would continue for weeks. Oil prices also eased from daily highs on hopes the protocol could help reopen the strait without military action.

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, triggering a historic surge in global oil prices. Brent crude spot prices for immediate delivery soared to $141 per barrel — the highest since the 2008 financial crisis. U.S. gasoline prices have spiked more than 30% in a month, surpassing $4 per gallon.

This development comes as the Iran war enters its fifth week, with ongoing disruptions to global energy markets and threats to regional offices of big names like Amazon and Nvidia.

Reminder: Trump fires Pam Bondi as US attorney general. Also, US mortgage rates edge higher as spring homebuying season heats up. Lastly, family offices stall deal-making during Iran conflict.

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📈 Stocks

S&P 500 6,582.69 (+0.11%)
DJIA 46,504.67 (-0.13%)
NASDAQ 21,879.18 (+0.18%)
BRENT CRUDE 109.14 (+7.76%)
* Prices as of Apr 3rd, 12:20 AM UTC

Tesla shares suffered their steepest drop of 2026, falling over 5%, after reporting weaker-than-expected vehicle deliveries for the first quarter.

The company delivered 358,023 vehicles in Q1 2026, down 14% from the previous quarter but up 6% from a year earlier. Analysts had expected around 365,000–370,000 deliveries.

Model 3 and Model Y accounted for the vast majority of deliveries (341,893 units). Tesla has ended production of its flagship Model S and X to shift factory lines toward Optimus robots and future autonomous vehicles.

Energy storage deployments also fell to 8.8 GWh from 10.4 GWh a year ago, raising concerns among analysts.

The disappointing results continue a challenging period for Tesla’s core EV business, amid slowing global demand, increased competition, and the removal of federal EV incentives. The stock is now down about 20% year-to-date in 2026.

Tesla is scheduled to report Q1 earnings on April 22.

Similarly, Ford Motor reported a nearly 9% decline in first-quarter U.S. sales, with 457,315 vehicles sold compared to 501,291 a year earlier.

Truck sales fell 11.3% and SUVs dropped 7.8%, as persistent affordability pressures — including higher financing costs, elevated sticker prices, and the end of federal EV tax credits — weighed on demand.

Electric vehicle sales plunged nearly 70%. While higher fuel prices from the ongoing Iran war typically boost interest in EVs, analysts say elevated vehicle prices and reduced incentives are keeping buyers away.

Entry-level models like the Maverick, Ranger, and Bronco Sport saw stronger demand, with their combined sales rising 8.4%.

Surprising: Novo Nordisk says Wegovy pill outperforms Lilly’s oral GLP-1 in cross-trial comparison. Elsewhere, Blue Owl caps private credit funds redemptions at 5% after steep request levels.

Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering.

💵 Personal Finance

While minimalism has gone mainstream, a rarer subset practices the Money Monk approach — treating personal finance with monastic discipline focused on essential needs and maximum freedom.

Core Principles of Money Monk Living
This method goes beyond basic frugality. Practitioners deliberately limit possessions, subscriptions, and commitments to reduce mental overhead and spending triggers. They often own fewer than 100 items total, cook nearly all meals at home, and choose housing well below their means. The goal isn’t deprivation but liberation from the constant pull of consumerism.

How to Apply It Without Going Overboard
Start small: conduct a “money audit” of recurring expenses and eliminate anything that doesn’t directly support health, relationships, or long-term security. Many Money Monks embrace “one in, one out” rules for purchases and use cash-only systems for discretionary spending to create immediate awareness.

Invest the savings aggressively into low-cost, diversified index funds or pay down debt rapidly. The compounding effect of consistent high savings rates (often 50%+ of income) can lead to financial independence in 10–15 years rather than 30–40.

Potential Drawbacks and Who It Suits Best
This approach shines for introverts, highly disciplined individuals, or those burned out by lifestyle inflation. It reduces decision fatigue and financial anxiety dramatically. However, it can strain social relationships if taken to extremes (declining all paid social activities, for instance).

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In a noisy consumer culture, the Money Monk method offers a radical reset. By stripping away non-essentials, practitioners often discover that true wealth feels like having choices, time, and peace — not more stuff. Those willing to experiment with selective simplicity frequently report higher satisfaction and faster financial momentum.

💰 Be a Better Investor

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