U.S. Stock Market Underperforms as International Markets Surge
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 26 2026
0mins
Should l Buy TM?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- International Market Surge: The Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF has risen 18% year-to-date, primarily benefiting from strong performances in stocks from Japan, South Korea, and Australia, indicating increased investor confidence in international markets, which may lead to capital outflows from the U.S.
- Economic Concerns in the U.S.: Experts widely believe that President Trump's tariff policies will negatively impact the U.S. economy, causing businesses and consumers to bear most of the costs, thereby exacerbating market uncertainty and affecting investor confidence.
- Surge in Memory Chip Demand: The performance of major memory chip manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix, driven by unprecedented demand for AI infrastructure, has propelled the Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF's gains, although cyclical fluctuations in the memory industry may pose future challenges.
- Significant Fee Ratio Advantage: The Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF boasts an expense ratio of 0.07%, significantly lower than the average 0.68% for similar funds, making it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to Asia-Pacific stocks, despite its underperformance compared to the S&P 500 over the past decade.
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Analyst Views on TM
About TM
Toyota Motor Corp is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the automotive business, as well as financial services and other businesses. It operates through three business segments. The Automotive segment designs, manufactures, and sells automobiles, including sedans, minivans, compact cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and trucks, as well as related parts and accessories. The Financial Services segment provides financing and vehicle leasing services to complement the sales of automobiles and other products manufactured by itself and its affiliates. The Other segment engages in information and communications services. It also oversees manufacturing and sales companies, conducts public relations and research activities, oversees financial companies, and develops various mobility products, primarily software.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Toyota Reports Significant Growth in Electrified Vehicle Sales
- Electrified Vehicle Performance: In March 2026, Toyota's electrified vehicle sales reached 115,422 units, up 2.5% year-over-year, accounting for 54.5% of total sales, indicating strong consumer demand for electric vehicles and enhancing Toyota's competitive position in the EV market.
- Quarterly Sales Data: For Q1 2026, Toyota reported total sales of 569,420 vehicles, a slight decline of 0.1% year-over-year, while electrified vehicle sales totaled 287,276 units, down 0.5%, suggesting that despite an overall sales dip, the EV segment remains relatively stable in market share.
- Brand Performance Discrepancy: Toyota's brand sold 182,606 units in March, down 6.9%, while Lexus sold 29,011 units, a more significant decline of 17.3%, reflecting performance differences between brands that may influence future strategic decisions.
- New Model Success: The Corolla Cross Gas and Grand Highlander Hybrid achieved all-time best sales in March, indicating high market acceptance of new models, which could enhance Toyota's overall brand image and market share.
See More
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- Sales Decline: Toyota's North American unit reported a March sales drop of 8.5% to 211,617 vehicles, reflecting weak market demand and intensified competition, which could impact the company's market share in North America.
- Market Challenges: The decline is attributed to supply chain issues and economic uncertainty, leading to reduced consumer purchasing intent, prompting Toyota to reassess its market strategy to address future challenges.
- Increased Competition: With the rising popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, Toyota faces pressure from competitors like Tesla, necessitating accelerated product innovation to maintain market competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: Despite the sales drop in March, Toyota plans to launch new models in the coming months, aiming to restore sales through product diversification and enhance brand appeal.
See More
Toyota Reports March 2026 U.S. Sales Decline
- Overall Sales Decline: Toyota Motor North America reported March 2026 U.S. sales of 211,617 vehicles, reflecting an 8.5% year-over-year decline, indicating that production constraints and limited inventory have pressured market demand and company performance.
- Electrified Vehicle Sales Growth: Despite the overall sales drop, electrified vehicle sales reached 115,422 units, up 2.5% year-over-year, representing 54.5% of total sales, showcasing Toyota's ongoing progress and adaptability in its electrification strategy.
- Division Performance Discrepancies: The Toyota division's March sales were 182,606 vehicles, down 6.9%, while the Lexus division saw a sharper decline to 29,011 vehicles, down 17.3%, indicating greater challenges in the premium market that could impact brand perception and market share.
- Quarterly Sales Stability: Although total sales for the first quarter decreased by 0.1%, the Toyota division achieved a slight 0.3% increase, demonstrating the company's resilience and stability in a competitive market, thereby enhancing confidence in achieving full-year goals.
See More
BYD Surpasses Tesla in Market Performance
- Sales Leadership: BYD sold over 2.25 million electric vehicles last year, surpassing Tesla's 1.63 million deliveries, indicating BYD's strong growth momentum in the EV market, despite Tesla's larger market capitalization.
- Intensifying Competition: BYD's sales continue to grow in both China and Europe, having outsold Tesla in Europe since mid-last year, highlighting its increasing competitiveness in the global EV market.
- Profit Pressure: Although BYD's revenue grew by 3.5% to $116 billion, its profits for 2025 fell by 19% year-over-year, reflecting the impact of price wars on profitability and the fierce competition within the industry.
- Future Outlook: Analysts expect BYD to achieve double-digit revenue and earnings growth over the next two years, with plans for international sales of 1.5 million units, showcasing its potential for global market expansion and keen insight into EV demand.
See More
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- Intensifying Market Competition: BYD has surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle manufacturing and deliveries, selling over 2.25 million EVs last year compared to Tesla's 1.63 million, indicating BYD's strong growth momentum that forces Tesla to implement price cuts to maintain market share.
- Profit Pressure Emerges: Despite BYD's revenue growth of 3.5% to $116 billion, its profits for 2025 have declined by 19% year-over-year, highlighting the impact of fierce price competition on profit margins, which may affect its future investment and expansion capabilities.
- International Market Strategy: BYD plans to establish up to 20 dealership locations in Canada and is considering setting up production facilities, a strategic move that could pave the way for its entry into the U.S. market, further threatening Tesla's position in North America.
- Leading Technological Innovation: BYD not only manufactures electric vehicles but also leads in high-performance lithium batteries, with plans to begin producing solid-state batteries next year, a breakthrough that could address key issues holding back EV sales and enhance its competitive edge.
See More
Joby Aviation Faces Market Challenges Amidst Economic Headwinds
- Stock Volatility: Joby Aviation's stock has plummeted over 40% this year due to macroeconomic factors such as the Iran War, soaring energy prices, and rate hike expectations, although it still rose over 30% in the past 12 months, reflecting market volatility and investor confidence.
- Technological Edge: Joby's S4 eVTOL can travel 150 miles on a single charge and reach speeds of 200 mph, outperforming most competitors due to its single tilt-rotor design, which has attracted prominent investors and customers like Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber.
- Market Outlook: Analysts expect Joby's revenue to surge from $53 million in 2025 to $459 million by 2028, with net losses gradually narrowing as economies of scale kick in, indicating strong potential in the rapidly growing eVTOL market.
- Risk Factors: Despite Joby's promising growth outlook, military conflicts in Iran and rising energy prices could delay its first commercial flights in Dubai, while interest rate hikes may complicate financing, potentially leading investors to shift towards more conservative strategies.
See More
Toyota Reports Significant Growth in Electrified Vehicle Sales
- Electrified Vehicle Performance: In March 2026, Toyota's electrified vehicle sales reached 115,422 units, up 2.5% year-over-year, accounting for 54.5% of total sales, indicating strong consumer demand for electric vehicles and enhancing Toyota's competitive position in the EV market.
- Quarterly Sales Data: For Q1 2026, Toyota reported total sales of 569,420 vehicles, a slight decline of 0.1% year-over-year, while electrified vehicle sales totaled 287,276 units, down 0.5%, suggesting that despite an overall sales dip, the EV segment remains relatively stable in market share.
- Brand Performance Discrepancy: Toyota's brand sold 182,606 units in March, down 6.9%, while Lexus sold 29,011 units, a more significant decline of 17.3%, reflecting performance differences between brands that may influence future strategic decisions.
- New Model Success: The Corolla Cross Gas and Grand Highlander Hybrid achieved all-time best sales in March, indicating high market acceptance of new models, which could enhance Toyota's overall brand image and market share.
See More
Toyota North America March Sales Decline 8.5%
- Sales Decline: Toyota's North American unit reported a March sales drop of 8.5% to 211,617 vehicles, reflecting weak market demand and intensified competition, which could impact the company's market share in North America.
- Market Challenges: The decline is attributed to supply chain issues and economic uncertainty, leading to reduced consumer purchasing intent, prompting Toyota to reassess its market strategy to address future challenges.
- Increased Competition: With the rising popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, Toyota faces pressure from competitors like Tesla, necessitating accelerated product innovation to maintain market competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: Despite the sales drop in March, Toyota plans to launch new models in the coming months, aiming to restore sales through product diversification and enhance brand appeal.
See More
Toyota Reports March 2026 U.S. Sales Decline
- Overall Sales Decline: Toyota Motor North America reported March 2026 U.S. sales of 211,617 vehicles, reflecting an 8.5% year-over-year decline, indicating that production constraints and limited inventory have pressured market demand and company performance.
- Electrified Vehicle Sales Growth: Despite the overall sales drop, electrified vehicle sales reached 115,422 units, up 2.5% year-over-year, representing 54.5% of total sales, showcasing Toyota's ongoing progress and adaptability in its electrification strategy.
- Division Performance Discrepancies: The Toyota division's March sales were 182,606 vehicles, down 6.9%, while the Lexus division saw a sharper decline to 29,011 vehicles, down 17.3%, indicating greater challenges in the premium market that could impact brand perception and market share.
- Quarterly Sales Stability: Although total sales for the first quarter decreased by 0.1%, the Toyota division achieved a slight 0.3% increase, demonstrating the company's resilience and stability in a competitive market, thereby enhancing confidence in achieving full-year goals.
See More
BYD Surpasses Tesla in Market Performance
- Sales Leadership: BYD sold over 2.25 million electric vehicles last year, surpassing Tesla's 1.63 million deliveries, indicating BYD's strong growth momentum in the EV market, despite Tesla's larger market capitalization.
- Intensifying Competition: BYD's sales continue to grow in both China and Europe, having outsold Tesla in Europe since mid-last year, highlighting its increasing competitiveness in the global EV market.
- Profit Pressure: Although BYD's revenue grew by 3.5% to $116 billion, its profits for 2025 fell by 19% year-over-year, reflecting the impact of price wars on profitability and the fierce competition within the industry.
- Future Outlook: Analysts expect BYD to achieve double-digit revenue and earnings growth over the next two years, with plans for international sales of 1.5 million units, showcasing its potential for global market expansion and keen insight into EV demand.
See More
Tesla Faces Competitive Pressure from BYD
- Intensifying Market Competition: BYD has surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle manufacturing and deliveries, selling over 2.25 million EVs last year compared to Tesla's 1.63 million, indicating BYD's strong growth momentum that forces Tesla to implement price cuts to maintain market share.
- Profit Pressure Emerges: Despite BYD's revenue growth of 3.5% to $116 billion, its profits for 2025 have declined by 19% year-over-year, highlighting the impact of fierce price competition on profit margins, which may affect its future investment and expansion capabilities.
- International Market Strategy: BYD plans to establish up to 20 dealership locations in Canada and is considering setting up production facilities, a strategic move that could pave the way for its entry into the U.S. market, further threatening Tesla's position in North America.
- Leading Technological Innovation: BYD not only manufactures electric vehicles but also leads in high-performance lithium batteries, with plans to begin producing solid-state batteries next year, a breakthrough that could address key issues holding back EV sales and enhance its competitive edge.
See More
Joby Aviation Faces Market Challenges Amidst Economic Headwinds
- Stock Volatility: Joby Aviation's stock has plummeted over 40% this year due to macroeconomic factors such as the Iran War, soaring energy prices, and rate hike expectations, although it still rose over 30% in the past 12 months, reflecting market volatility and investor confidence.
- Technological Edge: Joby's S4 eVTOL can travel 150 miles on a single charge and reach speeds of 200 mph, outperforming most competitors due to its single tilt-rotor design, which has attracted prominent investors and customers like Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber.
- Market Outlook: Analysts expect Joby's revenue to surge from $53 million in 2025 to $459 million by 2028, with net losses gradually narrowing as economies of scale kick in, indicating strong potential in the rapidly growing eVTOL market.
- Risk Factors: Despite Joby's promising growth outlook, military conflicts in Iran and rising energy prices could delay its first commercial flights in Dubai, while interest rate hikes may complicate financing, potentially leading investors to shift towards more conservative strategies.
See More
