ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

GameStop Stock: Should We Expect More Short Squeezes?

For GameStop stock (NYSE: GME), the stars seem to be aligned once again, which might lead to a fresh round of short squeezes. This seems like it would be ideal for a tight squeeze, right? 

Due to the popularity of memes, GameStop’s stock has once again attracted the attention of short-sellers. Short-sellers have had to be inventive to survive as the short interest in GameStop stock has soared. 

During the May 25 trading session, GameStop stock surged over 30 percent, offering an ideal investment opportunity. Short-sellers may be in for a world of hurt if they follow this path.

Shares of GameStop jumped 29% during the May 25 trading session. In light of the considerable increases short sellers face in borrowing costs, one plausible explanation for the stock’s recent climb might be demand for GME shares. 

For example, on May 25th, the cost of borrowing for GME stock rose to over 104%, making it a “difficult to borrow” company. GME’s cost-to-borrow rate is shown graphically over time. There have been record-breaking statistics in the last several days.

Several variables affect the price of shorting, including utilization (the number of shortable shares available), the number of borrowable shares, liquidity, the number of shares accessible, volatility, and other factors that might generate pricing anomalies. 

If GameStop has met any of the criteria above, it may have produced a rise in the key indicator and blocked short-sellers from taking advantage. According to GameStop’s 10-K filing, it is one of the most significant dangers to the company’s stock, but it is also one of the main reasons why retail investors got into the game. Short squeeze catalysts may be on the horizon:

Gaming retailer GameStop continues to be heavily shorted, with short interest levels over 20% of its relatively small 63 million share float (compared to AMC’s 513 million).

Direct Registration System registrations account for at least 9 million shares of the total float, according to the available information. DRS is designed to prevent short-sellers from getting their hands on ordinary investors’ shares.

For more than 70 days in a row, GameStop’s utilization rate has been over 100%. Short sellers may no longer borrow shares at this price if it is correct. Keep in mind that this does not exclude further shorting of the stock by investors. It implies that they’ll have to go elsewhere to locate shares that are still accessible.

For the first time in a year, the cost of borrowing is at its highest level. Short sellers are more sensitive to pressure from GME bulls since they must pay higher costs to gamble against GameStop.

When GameStop’s stock price soared in January 2021, it was due in large part to the company’s rising public profile, according to an SEC report on the company’s trading behavior. In addition, retail investors’ newfound interest in the company’s stock and GameStop’s “meme stock power” seem to be driving a rise in purchase volume.

The post GameStop Stock: Should We Expect More Short Squeezes? appeared first on Best Stocks.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.