Forget GameStop: Meme Stock Traders Are Now Pumping Beyond Meat—Here's Why

Core Viewpoint - The plant-based food brand Beyond Meat (BYND) is experiencing a significant surge in stock price, driven by retail investors who believe it is heavily shorted and oversold, reminiscent of the GameStop trading frenzy in 2021 [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - BYND stock has surged 963% over the past five days, indicating extreme volatility that led to multiple trading halts by Nasdaq [1]. - The stock price is currently down 85% from its all-time high, with short interest peaking at 82% before dropping to 71% [4]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment - Retail investors on platforms like Reddit and X are rallying around BYND, expressing a belief that the stock can replicate the short squeeze seen with GameStop [2][3]. - Some investors are reportedly investing their life savings into BYND, showcasing a strong emotional commitment to the stock [3]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The involvement of short sellers, particularly the controversial figure Martin Shkreli, has intensified the focus on BYND, with retail investors motivated to counteract short positions [6]. - The sentiment among retail traders is fueled by a desire to challenge hedge funds that they perceive as manipulating stock prices [5].