Caution: Massive stock market short squeeze underway

Group 1 - A significant short squeeze is occurring in U.S. equity markets, indicated by a surge in speculative buying and options data [1][8] - The five-day moving average of net call volumes for the most shorted stocks reached approximately 4.2 million contracts, marking the second-highest level ever recorded [1][4] - Call volume for heavily shorted U.S. stocks has quadrupled in recent weeks, reflecting a rush by short sellers to cover positions as prices increase [4][5] Group 2 - The current spike in call volume approaches the euphoric highs seen during the 2021 meme stock mania, particularly reminiscent of the GameStop rally [2][5] - The broader market is also experiencing increased call activity, with the five-day moving average of net call volumes for all other stocks doubling to around 10 million contracts, the highest level in four years [4][5] - Retail traders have contributed to sudden rallies in stocks like Krispy Kreme, GoPro, and Opendoor, driven by renewed interest in speculative investments [6] Group 3 - Investor optimism is at a peak, with margin debt on the NYSE reaching an all-time high, surpassing levels seen during the tech bubble [8] - Despite the optimism, there are signs of strain as the latest meme stock rally has quickly fizzled and Bitcoin has retreated from recent highs [8]