A meme stock's viral popularity tends to spawn unexpected trading volumes and abrupt share price spikes and plunges, often in the same day, particularly when it conflicts with the company's

Meme stocks are typically those that see significant jumps in trading volumes and stock prices, driven by a mix of social media hype, short squeezes, and technical breakouts, despite little to no change in the underlying business fundamentals.

By now most people, even those vaguely tuned into finances, have heard the phrase "meme stock." But if you're just catching up, here are some basics.

Meme stocks are back in 2025, fueled by Reddit, AI, and retail hype. This deep dive explains why it’s happening again, what’s different, and why the rallies never last.

As a result, Krispy Kreme's short interest had increased to 14.2% of shares outstanding, but a higher 26.4% of its publicly traded float, as of June 30. That's a high-enough short interest, especially in a lower-float stock, to cause a big move on a surge of unexpected buying. And it appears meme stock traders happened to target Krispy Kreme today.

Bloomberg journalists discuss today's biggest winners and losers in the stock market. Listen for analysis on the companies making news on Wall Street.

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced on Tuesday that that a third round of trade talks with China is now scheduled and will commence next week in Sweden. The goal is to delay an August deadline that has threatened to increase tariffs between the world's two largest economies.