When the Reddit IPO hit the market last month, the stock surged almost 50 per cent on its first day, turning heads and sparking discussions everywhere. In the past, social network Reddit made the news for fuelling the meme stock phenomenon. Thanks to commentators’ “support” on Reddit forums, investors had previously piled in to unloved stocks such as Gamestop or AMC, which were then pushed to record highs. Many who followed this advice got burned.
As the ship neared completion, the king’s ambition swelled, and he ordered the addition of a second cannon deck, increasing the armament to 64 guns. This last-minute change drastically altered the ship’s balance and stability, making it dangerously top-heavy. Academic and industry evidence is clear: chasing returns, succumbing to investment fads, or getting swept up in the frenzy of meme stocks can be perilous. These strategies often lead to a portfolio that is top-heavy and unstable, much like the Vasa was.