GameStop (GME) found itself at the center of attention once again as the return of meme stock legend “Roaring Kitty” sent shares soaring, prompting multiple halts in trading activity. The brick-and-mortar video game retailer, alongside fellow meme favorite AMC Entertainment (AMC), experienced dramatic surges on Monday, leaving market observers and investors alike grappling with the volatile resurgence of these stocks.
The catalyst behind the surge was none other than Keith Gill, affectionately known as “Roaring Kitty,” whose influence ignited the historic short squeeze of 2021. Gill’s reappearance on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), set off a chain reaction in GME’s stock price, reminiscent of the meme stock frenzy that captivated markets in the previous year.
Gill’s cryptic post, featuring a meme of a gamer leaning forward in their chair, signaled his reengagement with the market, prompting a flurry of activity among retail investors and triggering trading halts due to extreme volatility. The post, lacking any explicit message, sparked speculation and excitement within online communities, reminiscent of the fervor that characterized the meme stock phenomenon of yesteryears.
GameStop’s shares surged as much as 110% during Monday’s trading session, reaching highs not seen since the peak of meme stock mania in early 2021. However, the stock’s rally was not without interruption, as trading halts were implemented numerous times to manage the rapid fluctuations in price.
The resurgence of GME and AMC underscores the enduring influence of retail investors and the unpredictable nature of meme stock movements. Despite concerns over the sustainability of such rallies and the fundamental health of the companies involved, the phenomenon persists, driven by a potent combination of online enthusiasm and collective action.
As GameStop and AMC continue to capture headlines and dominate discussions on platforms like Reddit’s WallStreetBets, the broader implications of meme stock trading on market dynamics and investor sentiment remain subjects of debate. While some view these movements as evidence of a democratized market, others caution against the risks of speculative fervor detached from traditional valuation metrics.