Dow Jones Rises Slightly as Tesla Surges Near Key Technical Level, Apple Underperforms

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 68.42 points, or 0.16%, closing at 43,257.21, as investor sentiment improved amid sector rotation. Tesla Inc. (TSLA) led gains, surging 4.7% to $203.80, approaching a key technical buy point identified by analysts at 205.20—a level seen as a potential catalyst for further upside momentum. The rally followed revised guidance indicating stronger-than-expected Q4 production forecasts and expanded vehicle delivery targets in North America and Europe. In contrast, Apple Inc. (AAPL) slipped 1.3% to $198.35, marking its third consecutive session of losses. The decline came despite positive commentary on iPhone 17 demand projections from supply chain analysts, as investors appeared concerned about slowing iPad and Mac sales. Apple’s underperformance weighed on the broader tech sector, which saw the Nasdaq Composite end flat at 17,456.33. Market watchers noted that Tesla’s move near the 205.20 threshold could trigger algorithmic buying, particularly from quantitative funds tracking technical patterns. Meanwhile, Apple’s stagnation has prompted renewed debate over whether the stock is pricing in peak demand for its premium product lineup. The S&P 500 closed marginally up at 5,324.75, reflecting broad but uneven participation across sectors. Trading volume remained elevated, with over 7.8 billion shares changing hands on the NYSE and NASDAQ, suggesting active positioning ahead of the upcoming earnings season. The focus now shifts to next week’s Federal Reserve meeting, where investors will assess the likelihood of a rate cut in early 2026.