Musk defends timing of Tesla’s $2.6 bln deal for SolarCity

Elon Musk told a judge on Tuesday Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) had to buy SolarCity in 2016 because the failing solar panel company was essential to the electric vehicle maker’s long-term goal of accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.

Tesla lifts Nasdaq to record-high close

The Nasdaq climbed to a record-high close on Wednesday, fueled by a rally in Tesla Inc (TSLA.O), with investors cheering data that showed a record peak for U.S. factory activity in June.