Insights + Resources

How the Internet Gamed Wall Street’s Short Sellers

Feb 1, 2021

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1

So, what gives?

Financial institutions make assumptions that certain downward-trending stocks will continue to move lower. They borrow shares, sell them, and if the price continues falling as anticipated, they then buy the shares back at the lower price. This is called “short-selling.”1

Some believe the “hockey stick” spike we’re seeing this week originated on Internet discussion boards, where traders are coordinating their efforts to disrupt the short-selling process. Generally speaking, these traders make these moves for a variety of reasons. Some may be protesting against Wall Street. Others may simply be attempting to take economic advantage of the situation and make a “quick buck.”1

While this all makes for an interesting story, the truth is that this is something of a sideshow and a far cry from the investment strategies most investors use to further their retirement goals.

My suggestion? Enjoy the show, but remember: you’re playing for the long haul.

For more insights and resources, be sure to sign up for our Weekly Market Commentary. Follow our YouTube channel where we regularly post our Epic Market Minute videos. Follow us on LinkedIn, or like us on Facebook. And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a dedicated service professional at Epic Capital.

Tags: , , , ,

More Insights

Mar 27, 2024

Investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequence to an individual’s future financial security, especially when it comes to retirement planning. Let’s review some of the forms this takes.

Mar 25, 2024

Election season is in full swing as Super Tuesday solidifies another Biden and Trump rematch this November. President Biden won all 15 states and the Iowa caucuses, while former President Trump won in 14 of 15 states, prompting Nikki Haley to end her election bid.

Mar 22, 2024

Creating an estate plan is a key component of achieving financial wellness Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about end-of-life planning on a daily basis. But you may have loved ones who will soon face those issues. While it’s not pleasant to think about, you may be the one who ends up having … Continue reading “Eliminate the Guesswork in an Estate Plan”

Mar 20, 2024

When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your financial life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is that it is usually not so difficult.

Mar 18, 2024

The year 1995 was an exciting one. Michael Jordan came back from retirement, digital video disks (DVDs) were invented, Netscape went public after introducing the world to the internet via its web browser, and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” was the song of the year. It was also an exciting year for investors.

Insights + Resources >