Ready-made ETF portfolios built for real investor needs. Explore now →

Advertisement
Advertisement
Moving Markets

Consumer Discretionary Sector Hit by Tesla Stock's Plummet

Discover how recent events around Tesla's workforce reduction and Elon Musk's pay deal influenced Consumer Discretionary ETFs.

Rony Abboud
By Rony Abboud · April 22, 2024
Share
Consumer Discretionary Sector Hit by Tesla

Keep up with what matters in ETFs

Get timely ETF insights, market trends, and top ideas straight to your inbox.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to ETF Central's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

In a surprising turn of events, Tesla announced a significant workforce reduction exceeding 10% due to declining sales, further complicating matters as the company sought to secure an unprecedented pay deal for CEO Elon Musk. This decision not only sent shockwaves through Tesla's stocks - down 14% for the week and almost 41% for the year - but also reverberated across the Consumer Discretionary sector, as the EV manufacturer's weight in the sub-index remains significant (>10%). One must remember that Tesla was among the megacap stocks that fueled the S&P 500's strong gains in 2023.

Report

Global ETF Survey 2026 is Live!

With 1,790 new products launched by July 2026, choosing is harder than ever. Our Global ETF Survey 2026, built on 620 professional investors and allocators, shows how active, fixed income, options-based and thematic ETFs are reshaping fund selection.

Explore Results

The Ripple Effect on the S&P Consumer Discretionary Index

Tesla's announcement of workforce cuts as part of its operational restructuring plan led to a sharp decline in its stock price. On the heels of this announcement, Tesla decided to award Elon Musk a staggering $56 billion pay deal, which was later met with judicial skepticism due to its sheer magnitude. The downfall of Tesla's stock had a detrimental effect on the S&P Consumer Discretionary index, down 4.52% for the week. This sector is now the second largest detractor within the S&P 500 benchmark index with a year-to-date loss of 2.53%.

Judicial Rejection and Financial Repercussions

A U.S. judge's rejection of Musk's pay deal highlights the extraordinary nature of this financial arrangement, describing the sum as "unfathomable." This legal and financial turmoil not only impacted Tesla's market valuation but also influenced investor perception and confidence, contributing to broader market implications for Consumer Discretionary ETFs.

Consumer Discretionary ETFs Feel the Heat

With Tesla's financial and legal challenges, Consumer Discretionary ETFs experienced notable declines. The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (

) and the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (
VCR
+1.01%
) saw decreases of 4.19% and 4.08%, respectively.

Group Data

Index Data

Funds Specific Data: XLY, VCR, FXD, FDIS

Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decision.Haut du formulaire

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
ETF U
Become a better investor with NYSE: The Home of ETFs
Visit the ETF U homepage
ETF Guides
Advertisement

Recent educational content

ETF Investing Trends - First Look

First Look ETF

First Look ETF: Income, International, and Cash Flow ETFs

In this season 6 episode of First Look ETF, Stephanie Stanton ‪@etfguide‬ examines the latest ETF marketplace trends with NYSE and guests.

ETF Guide
By ETF Guide · October 20, 2026
Tidal ETF Industry KPIs

ETF Trends

ETF Industry KPIs October 5, 2026

This week’s KPI data overview highlights key metrics and trends shaping the ETF landscape.

Tidal
By Tidal · October 6, 2026
Tidal ETF Industry KPIs

ETF Trends

ETF Industry KPIs September 28, 2026

This week’s KPI data overview highlights key metrics and trends shaping the ETF landscape.

Tidal
By Tidal · September 29, 2026
Tidal ETF Industry KPIs

ETF Trends

ETF Industry KPIs September 22, 2026

This week’s KPI data overview highlights key metrics and trends shaping the ETF landscape.

Tidal
By Tidal · September 23, 2026

Browse all educational columns

Advertisement
New Report

ETFs’ Next Act: From Access to Selection

Global ETF Survey 2026