In a stunning turn of events, short sellers of GameStop (GME) and AMC Entertainment (AMC) stocks have reportedly lost a staggering $5 billion in just two days. This development marks a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of these so-called “meme stocks.”
The resurgence of GameStop and AMC stocks has caught many investors off guard, particularly those who had bet on these stocks’ decline. The unexpected surge in these stocks is reminiscent of the meme stock mania of early 2021, which saw retail investors coordinating massive buying sprees, leading to unprecedented price surges.
GameStop’s stock, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in trading volume, with more than 150 million shares traded in a single day. This surge was reportedly triggered by a social media post by Keith Gill, also known as “Roaring Kitty,” who had been silent on social media for almost three years. Gill’s post, which depicted a meme of a man leaning forward in his seat, was interpreted by speculators as a signal for another potential short squeeze.
NEW: GameStop stock explodes as 'Roaring Kitty' returns to X in his first post since June 18, 2021.
Short sellers have suffered a mark-to-market loss of ~$1 billion as GME is up over 70% today. (CNBC)
'Roaring Kitty' went viral in 2021 for kickstarting the "meme stock frenzy"… pic.twitter.com/MKhk1O8iCy
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 13, 2024
Similarly, AMC Entertainment announced that it had raised $250 million of equity capital after selling 72.5 million shares at an average price of $3.45 per share. This news, coupled with the overall meme stock rally, has led to a significant increase in AMC’s stock price.
These developments have resulted in massive losses for short sellers, who bet on these stocks’ prices falling. According to reports, short sellers lost nearly $1 billion on GameStop stock alone during a single day’s trading.
The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with short selling, particularly in the volatile landscape of meme stocks. As retail investors continue to rally behind these stocks, the losses for short sellers could potentially increase.
While it remains to be seen how long this rally will last, one thing is clear: the meme stock phenomenon, driven by retail investors and fueled by social media, has once again shaken up the stock market, leaving short sellers in its wake.
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