TSLA took a robust leap after the close on word that the company was not burning cash quite as quickly as had been assumed by razor-sharp analysts just minutes before the announcement. The stock’s handlers can claim the distinction of being the sleaziest in the game, so adept are they at leveraging news stories planted and timed for maximum effect. In this respect, Tesla shares trade like those of a small pharmaceutical company that has everything riding on trials. Remember when we’d see news photos of Tesla sports coupes in flames by the side of the road?  The stock would dive, and the sleazeballs would scoop up shares at an instant 20% discount. Yesterday, in releasing earnings data, Musk apologized for dissing some analysts, all was forgiven, and the stock rocketed 12% in the blink of an eye. From a technical standpoint it looks bound for the 347.00 target shown, a midpoint Hidden Pivot resistance. We’ll want to short it when it gets there, since a precise stall seems likely. Stay tuned to the chat room for further guidance in real time. ________ UPDATE (August 2, 11:32 p.m.): Tesla’s fitful rally, characterized by a series of ratcheting, marginally higher highs into day’s end, tells us that shorts are caught in the ringer. Only one subscriber reported trying to short the stock, so I haven’t established a tracking position. It will take more than the so-far $3 overshoot of the 347.00 pivot to put D=407.86 (see inset) in play. _______ UPDATE (August 5, 5:10 p.m.): Tesla Derangement Syndrome persisted until the final bell, costing shorts a reported $1.7 billion.  The Wall Street Journal reported they were still standing their ground — as well they might, considering the brazenness of the PR scam that has squeeze the stock higher.  The Journal was complicit as always, touting an alleged news story concerning how Musk uses tweets to inflict punishment on bears._______ UPDATE (August 6, 1:03 p.m.):  The stock has not pulled back much, so shorts are still on the ropes. _______ UPDATE (August 8, 9:12 p.m.):  Panic-stricken short-covering greeted Musk’s tweeted $420 buy-out bid and has since pushed this hoax as high 387.46, but bears are still on the hook.  The high-visibility CEO is being investigated for the tweets, and won’t it be interesting to see how much the regulators extort from him if the little woosies decide on a fine.