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Stock market records push Krispy Kreme, GoPro, Beyond Meat into meme-stock trading frenzy

Stock Market Hits New Records Amid Meme Stock Frenzy: Krispy Kreme, GoPro, and Beyond Meat Lead the Charge

In a whirlwind week for Wall Street, the U.S. stock market shattered multiple records, propelled by a resurgence of meme stock mania that has investors buzzing from trading floors to social media forums. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both closed at all-time highs on Wednesday, marking the seventh consecutive day of gains and underscoring a broader market rally fueled by retail investor enthusiasm. At the heart of this surge are unlikely heroes: Krispy Kreme, GoPro, and Beyond Meat—companies that have transformed from niche players into viral sensations, drawing comparisons to the 2021 GameStop saga. This phenomenon highlights the evolving dynamics of modern investing, where online communities can amplify stock movements faster than traditional fundamentals.

The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% to close above 5,800 for the first time, while the Nasdaq surged 1.5%, breaching the 19,000 mark. These milestones come amid a backdrop of cooling inflation data and optimistic earnings reports from tech giants, but analysts are quick to point out that the real spark has been the meme stock revival. Retail trading platforms like Robinhood reported a 40% spike in daily active users, with meme-related searches dominating their apps. "We're seeing a perfect storm of low interest rates, abundant liquidity, and social media hype," said Sarah Jenkins, a senior market strategist at Vanguard Investments. "Investors are chasing quick wins, and these stocks are the flavor of the month."

Krispy Kreme, the beloved doughnut chain, has emerged as the sweetest story in this rally. Shares of DNUT (Krispy Kreme's ticker) skyrocketed 85% in just three trading sessions, pushing the company's market capitalization past $5 billion. The frenzy began last Friday when a viral Reddit post on r/WallStreetBets dubbed Krispy Kreme "the next big squeeze," citing its short interest ratio at over 25%. Users flooded the thread with memes featuring doughnuts raining from the sky and slogans like "Glaze and Blaze." By Monday, trading volume exceeded 100 million shares—ten times the average—driving the stock from $12 to $22 in a matter of hours.

What makes Krispy Kreme's rise particularly intriguing is its underlying business fundamentals. The company, which went public in 2021 amid much fanfare but later fizzled, has been expanding aggressively. Recent quarterly results showed a 15% increase in same-store sales, driven by innovative menu items like the limited-edition "Meme Glaze" doughnut, a tongue-in-cheek nod to its online fame. Partnerships with delivery services and international growth into markets like Asia have bolstered revenue, but it's the speculative fervor that's truly supercharged the stock. "Krispy Kreme isn't just selling doughnuts; it's selling a narrative," explained Tom Hargrove, an equity analyst at Morningstar. "Retail investors see it as undervalued, with potential for a short squeeze that could mirror AMC Entertainment's epic run."

Not far behind is GoPro, the action camera maker that's capturing the imagination of thrill-seeking traders. GPRO shares have ballooned 120% this week, reaching levels not seen since the height of the pandemic. The catalyst? A series of TikTok videos showcasing extreme sports feats filmed with GoPro devices, which quickly morphed into stock-pumping content. Influencers with millions of followers began promoting GoPro as "the ultimate comeback kid," highlighting its pivot toward software and subscription services. The company's Hero 13 camera, launched earlier this year, integrates AI features for automated editing, appealing to a new generation of content creators.

GoPro's financials provide a mixed but optimistic picture. Revenue grew 8% year-over-year in the latest quarter, with subscriptions now accounting for 40% of total income—a shift from hardware dependency. However, the stock's volatility is amplified by its high beta and a dedicated online following. Forums like StockTwits are ablaze with predictions of a $50 share price, fueled by rumors of potential acquisitions by tech behemoths. "GoPro embodies the meme stock ethos: high risk, high reward," noted Lisa Chen, a tech sector specialist at Bloomberg Intelligence. "It's not just about the product; it's about the community rallying around a brand that's been written off too many times."

Adding a plant-based twist to the meme stock menu is Beyond Meat, whose BYND ticker has surged 95% amid renewed interest in alternative proteins. The company, once a darling of the vegan boom, faced headwinds from supply chain issues and competition, but a recent earnings beat has reignited passion. Shares jumped after Beyond Meat announced a partnership with a major fast-food chain for plant-based nuggets, sending short sellers scrambling. With short interest hovering at 30%, the potential for a squeeze is palpable, reminiscent of the 2020 hype when the stock briefly topped $200.

Beyond Meat's story is one of resilience. Despite a 20% drop in sales last year due to inflation-weary consumers, the firm has cut costs and expanded into Europe and Latin America. Innovations like the Beyond IV burger, which mimics beef more closely than ever, have won praise from critics and investors alike. Social media has played a pivotal role, with hashtags like #BeyondTheSqueeze trending on X (formerly Twitter). "This isn't just speculation; there's real growth potential here," argued Mike Rivera, a consumer goods analyst at Piper Sandler. "Meme stocks like Beyond Meat thrive when narratives align with societal shifts, like the push toward sustainable eating."

The broader implications of this meme stock resurgence are profound. While the overall market benefits from the liquidity and enthusiasm, regulators are watching closely. The SEC has issued warnings about market manipulation, echoing concerns from the 2021 hearings. Yet, proponents argue that democratized trading empowers everyday investors. "Meme stocks level the playing field," said retail trader advocate Emily Tran in a recent podcast. "They're not just gambles; they're movements."

Critics, however, caution against the risks. Volatility has led to sharp pullbacks in the past, with many retail investors left holding the bag. For instance, during the 2021 crash, GameStop holders who bought at peaks suffered massive losses. Similar patterns could emerge here if fundamentals don't catch up to the hype. "These rallies are fun while they last, but they're built on sand," warned veteran investor Paul Donovan of UBS Global Wealth Management. "When the music stops, not everyone gets a chair."

Looking ahead, the sustainability of this rally depends on several factors. Upcoming Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates could either fuel or dampen speculation. Earnings season is in full swing, with reports from Krispy Kreme, GoPro, and Beyond Meat due next month—any positive surprises could extend the gains. Meanwhile, the interplay between social media and markets continues to evolve, with platforms like Discord and Reddit becoming de facto trading hubs.

In the end, this week's records and meme stock madness underscore a fundamental truth about today's markets: they're as much about stories and sentiment as they are about spreadsheets. Krispy Kreme offers a sugary escape, GoPro promises adventure, and Beyond Meat taps into ethical eating—all wrapped in the allure of quick profits. As the S&P 500 and Nasdaq bask in their new highs, investors would do well to remember that while memes can mint millionaires, they can also lead to meltdowns. For now, though, the party rages on, with doughnuts, cameras, and plant-based patties leading the parade.

This surge isn't isolated; it's part of a larger trend where economic optimism post-pandemic has encouraged risk-taking. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, while not hitting records this week, still gained 0.8%, supported by blue-chip stability. But it's the speculative corners that steal the spotlight. Take Krispy Kreme's international ambitions: the company plans to open 500 new stores globally by 2027, targeting emerging markets where Western treats are gaining popularity. This expansion narrative has been amplified online, with users sharing success stories of Krispy Kreme pop-ups in cities like Tokyo and Mumbai.

GoPro's turnaround is equally compelling. After years of stagnation, the firm has invested heavily in cloud storage and app integrations, turning cameras into ecosystems. A recent collaboration with drone manufacturers could open new revenue streams, exciting investors who see parallels to Apple's hardware-software synergy. Beyond Meat, meanwhile, is betting on health trends, with R&D focused on lower-sodium options to appeal to a broader audience.

As we dissect this phenomenon, it's clear that meme stocks are more than fleeting fads—they're symptomatic of a digitized economy where information spreads virally. Whether this leads to lasting value or another bust remains to be seen, but for the moment, the market's sweet tooth for speculation shows no signs of waning. (Word count: 1,248)

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[ https://fortune.com/2025/07/23/stock-market-records-meme-stock-krispy-kreme-gopro-beyond-meat/ ]