Core Insights - A new tax credit in the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" allows taxpayers to deduct part of the interest paid on car loans for new vehicles assembled in the U.S. from their 2025 taxes, with a maximum deduction of $10,000 [2][8] Group 1: Tax Credit Details - The tax credit applies only to new vehicles that underwent final assembly in the United States, with approximately 30% of vehicle models for sale in the U.S. qualifying in 2025 [3] - Taxpayers can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's VIN Decoder to verify the assembly location of their vehicle, which is necessary for claiming the deduction [4] - The deduction is available to both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers, with income limits set at $150,000 for individuals and $250,000 for joint filers [8] Group 2: Loan and Vehicle Requirements - The car loan must originate after December 31, 2024, and be secured by a lien on the vehicle, applicable to various types of vehicles under 14,000 pounds for personal use [9] - Loans for used vehicles do not qualify for the deduction, which phases out for single taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $100,000, and completely phases out at $150,000 [9] - For joint filers, the deduction begins to phase out at a combined MAGI of $200,000 and is fully phased out at $250,000 [9] Group 3: Market Context - Rising car prices due to supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and tariffs on vehicles and auto parts have increased manufacturing costs, making this deduction significant for affordability [5]

Group 1 - Oil prices increased due to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran to target energy facilities in the Middle East, escalating tensions in the region [1] - Brent crude futures rose by $1.01, or 0.90%, reaching $113.20 per barrel, marking the highest settlement since July 2022 [2] - U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was priced at $98.85 per barrel, up 62 cents, or 0.63%, following a previous gain of 2.27% [2]

Elon Musk took the stage in Austin on March 21 to officially launch Terafab, a joint venture between Tesla (TSLA), SpaceX, and xAI that he called "the most epic chip building exercise in history by far." The ambition is genuine. So is the risk. Investors need to understand both before drawing conclusions about what this means for the stock. Terafab is Tesla's plan to manufacture its own AI chips at scale within the United States. The goal is to end its dependence on external suppliers such as TSMC and S ...

Group 1 - SpaceX and Tesla are set to establish two advanced chip factories in Austin, Texas [1] - One factory will focus on producing chips for vehicles and humanoid robots, while the other will cater to artificial intelligence data centers [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded its four-year investigation into electric vehicle startup Faraday Future without taking any action against the company [1]. Group 1: Investigation Conclusion - The closure of the SEC investigation allows Faraday Future to pursue strategic financing and partnerships, which had been hindered by compliance concerns during the probe [2]. - The investigation was related to matters involving the company's 2021 PIPE financing and SPAC-related transactions, with the SEC having issued notices to the company and certain executives [2]. Group 2: Management and Internal Review - In March 2022, the SEC subpoenaed members of Faraday Future's management team as part of the investigation into inaccurate statements made to investors after the company went public [3]. - An internal review conducted in February 2022 identified certain inaccurate statements, leading to a reduction in the base salaries of then-CEO Carsten Breitfeld and founder Jia Yueting, who were asked to report to Executive Chairperson Susan Swenson [3].

Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk's Terafab project aims to manufacture chips for robotics, AI, and space data centers, to be built in Austin and jointly operated by Tesla and SpaceX [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The initial phase will involve an "advanced technology fab" equipped to produce and test various types of chips [2]. - Musk has expressed concerns about the semiconductor industry's slow pace in meeting chip supply demands, stating that the Terafab is essential for the companies' future needs [3]. - The project aims to support a terawatt of computing power annually, with specific plans for chips that can provide 100 to 200 gigawatts on Earth and a terawatt in space [4]. Group 2: Industry Context - The semiconductor industry faces challenges, including a shortage of memory chips, as companies race to enhance computing power for AI applications [5]. - Establishing semiconductor facilities typically requires significant investment, often in the tens of billions, and can take years to become operational [5]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans - The facility's location is near Tesla's existing headquarters and gigafactory, and Tesla has agreements with Samsung and other suppliers to meet its chip needs [6]. - The facility will produce two types of chips: one optimized for edge and inference applications, and another high-power chip for space use [7]. - Musk's vision includes launching AI data centers in space, with plans for a million data center satellites, and a potential IPO for SpaceX to raise up to $50 billion [8]. Group 4: Broader Ambitions - Musk's presentation included ambitious plans for launching satellites from the moon and a vision for a future of "amazing abundance" [10]. - Tesla's collaboration with xAI includes projects like Digital Optimus and the integration of xAI's chatbot into Tesla vehicles, alongside a $2 billion investment in xAI [11].

The SEC drops its four-year-old investigation into EV startup Faraday Future https://t.co/syUtpmbLA9 ...

Core Viewpoint - The SEC has closed its investigation into Faraday Future, despite prior recommendations for enforcement action by SEC staff, marking a significant development for the electric vehicle startup [1][2]. Investigation Details - The SEC's investigation into Faraday Future lasted nearly four years, focusing on potential "false and misleading statements" made during its 2021 SPAC merger and allegations of faked vehicle sales in 2023 [3][4]. - The SEC issued multiple subpoenas and conducted depositions of former employees and executives during the investigation [4][19]. - In July 2025, the SEC sent Wells Notices to Faraday Future and several executives, indicating a preliminary recommendation for enforcement action due to alleged violations of anti-fraud provisions [5][19]. Company Background - Faraday Future was founded in 2014 by Jia Yueting, aiming to compete with Tesla and initially attracting significant talent and investment [10][11]. - The company faced financial difficulties, leading to layoffs and a reliance on loans from employees connected to Jia, which raised concerns about related party transactions [15][18]. - Following its public listing in 2021, the company raised approximately $1 billion but faced scrutiny over misrepresentation of Jia's control and operational role [13][19]. Recent Developments - Despite the SEC investigation, Faraday Future has begun delivering its FF91 SUVs, although former employees have alleged these were not genuine sales [18]. - The company is diversifying its business by importing more affordable hybrid and electric vans from China and exploring other ventures, including re-badged robots and a shift in focus for a biotechnology firm [20]. - Faraday Future has received a warning from Nasdaq regarding its stock price falling below the minimum threshold of $1, which could lead to potential de-listing [21].

American car buyers anxious about rising gas prices will find that many electric vehicles are as cheap as they’ve ever been https://t.co/C4FglOgIjh ...

Company Overview - Littelfuse is a global provider of circuit protection and power management solutions, serving critical applications in transportation, electronics, and industrial markets [5] - The company generates revenue through sales of proprietary hardware components and systems to distributors, OEMs, and industrial customers globally [8] - Littelfuse's strategy focuses on innovation and reliability, positioning it as a trusted supplier in high-growth and mission-critical sectors [5] Financial Performance - Littelfuse reported a revenue growth of 9% to approximately $2.39 billion last year, with significant expansion in electronics and industrial end markets [10] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 34%, although a large non-cash impairment charge resulted in reported losses, masking improving operating performance [10] - The stock price of Littelfuse is currently $320.65, reflecting a 52% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which rose about 15% in the same period [7] Recent Transactions - On February 17, 2026, Dean Investment Associates sold 14,929 shares of Littelfuse, valued at an estimated $3.80 million based on quarterly average pricing [2] - Following this transaction, Dean Investment Associates holds 26,921 shares of Littelfuse, worth $6.81 million, with the position's value decreasing by $4.03 million due to share sales and price changes [2][6] - Littelfuse now represents 0.97% of Dean Investment Associates' 13F reportable assets under management [7] Market Position and Outlook - Littelfuse is characterized as a steady industrial technology company linked to electrification, autos, and power systems, making its sub-1% weighting notable against other sectors [9] - The stock has increased by 22% year to date, indicating a positive market response despite previous losses, with better-than-expected results attributed to growth in renewables and data centers [11]