GameStop stock made another massive jump on Thursday after meme trader Keith Gill, known online as Roaring Kitty, scheduled a YouTube livestream for Friday. This announcement has generated significant excitement among retail investors, reminiscent of the frenzy during the meme stock rally in 2020 and 2021.
Gill scheduled the “Roaring Kitty Live Stream” for June 7 at 12 pm ET, marking his first livestream in over three years. During the 2020-2021 rally, Gill regularly posted videos and hosted streams online, detailing his thoughts on different stocks, particularly focusing on the GME short squeeze. Despite the anticipation, Gill emphasized that his YouTube channel is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only, cautioning against taking his discussions as personal investment advice or stock recommendations.
In the description for the upcoming stream, Gill discouraged investors from piling onto his GameStop position. He warned that his aggressive investment style involves substantial risk and might not be suitable for everyone. He advised those seeking personalized advice to consult a financial professional. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 13,800 people had queued up for the June 7 video, indicating significant interest in what Gill might say.
This surge in attention comes after Gill revitalized meme stocks in early May with a series of posts on X, implying he was back and trading again. Known for his role in driving the GameStop short squeeze, Gill was called to testify before the House Financial Services Committee in February 2021 regarding a probe into potential market manipulation. The saga of the short squeeze was later detailed in the movie “Dumb Money.”
On Sunday, Gill appeared to post a screenshot of an E-Trade account showing a $181.4 million position in GameStop stock and options to Reddit. However, it is unclear if it is Gill himself posting to the account, as the post was made to r/Superstonk rather than r/wallstreetbets, where he shared his GME stock updates during the 2021 meme rally. Following this update, GameStop stock rallied on Monday, with Gill’s June 3 update after market close showing his GameStop position had ballooned to $260 million.
The attention on Gill’s actions has also drawn scrutiny from major financial institutions. Morgan Stanley-owned E-Trade is reportedly considering kicking Gill off its platform due to concerns of potential stock manipulation. According to the Wall Street Journal, Morgan Stanley’s global financial crimes unit and external counsel have begun discussions about the legality of Gill’s recent actions and whether the firm should cancel his E-Trade account. Some employees at Morgan Stanley are worried that such a move could result in losing E-Trade clients. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing trading activity for GameStop call options around the timing of Gill’s social media posts to determine if they could be considered manipulation.
On Thursday, GME shares leapt 47.5% following the announcement of Gill’s livestream, with the New York Stock Exchange halting trading multiple times amid the rally. GameStop stock has doubled this week, with shares vaulting about 101%. Overall, GME shares have surged nearly 165.5% in 2024. The company is set to report its Q1 earnings on June 11, with preliminary results released on March 17 indicating that revenue may fall short of FactSet forecasts. This upcoming earnings report will be closely watched, as investors look for more concrete information on the company’s financial health and future prospects.
Fellow meme stock AMC Entertainment also saw a significant jump, with shares rising 12.4% on Thursday and rallying about 34% for the week. Despite this recent surge, AMC shares are still down 5.4% for the year.
The resurgence of interest in meme stocks like GameStop and AMC highlights the continuing impact of retail investors and social media-driven trading on the market. Keith Gill’s return to the spotlight and his scheduled livestream have reignited the fervor that characterized the original meme stock saga, suggesting that the influence of individual traders and online communities remains strong. As the financial world eagerly awaits Gill’s livestream, the excitement and speculation around GameStop and other meme stocks are likely to continue, reflecting the unpredictable and dynamic nature of modern financial markets.
The dramatic rise in GameStop’s stock price this week is largely attributed to the influence of Keith Gill, whose online persona, Roaring Kitty, has become legendary among retail investors. Gill’s ability to mobilize a vast community of traders through his online posts and videos has proven to be a powerful force in the stock market. His decision to host a livestream has generated a wave of enthusiasm and speculation, as investors anticipate potential insights into his investment strategies and market outlook.
Gill’s livestreams are known for their blend of humor, analysis, and personal anecdotes, making them highly engaging for his audience. While he has consistently maintained that his content is for educational and entertainment purposes, his impact on the market cannot be understated. During the 2020-2021 meme stock rally, his analysis and confidence in GameStop helped fuel a historic short squeeze, resulting in massive gains for many retail investors.
This upcoming livestream is particularly significant as it marks his return after a three-year hiatus. Investors are keenly watching for any hints or tips that could guide their next moves. The fact that over 13,800 people have already queued up for the video highlights the high level of anticipation and the continued influence Gill wields. His cautious advice against aggressive investing styles underscores the risks involved in such volatile market movements.
