Tesla shareholders face uncertainty as the company plans $25 billion in capital expenditures for artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, projecting negative free cash flow for the first time. CFO Vaibhav Taneja defended the strategy at an investor meeting, calling it "the right move for the next era," but analysts warn it could strain the automaker's core business amid rising competition from Chinese rivals. The funds will support projects like Optimus robots and the TeraFab chip-manufacturing venture with SpaceX and Intel, shifting focus from traditional automotive revenue, which saw a 16% year-over-year increase but declining sales volumes.

SpaceX is also making waves, acquiring AI coding startup Cursor for $60 billion to bolster its xAI division, while exploring partnerships with European AI firm Mistral. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering a $500 million bailout for Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy twice in two years due to debt and operational challenges. The rescue plan includes government warrants for 90% of the airline's stock, raising questions about U.S. economic intervention policies.

Global oil prices are surging past $103 a barrel as Middle East tensions block the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting 13 million barrels of daily exports. Analysts warn that sustained high fuel costs could trigger a political backlash before Memorial Day, with Republicans facing pressure to address the issue. Over 60 days into the conflict, U.S. military officials estimate six months to clear mines from the waterway, prolonging economic ripple effects on industries from agriculture to retail.