This week's edition of Ghost Global is a journey into the abyss of "meme stocks" - companies that Reddit users target with a collective effort to achieve major share price movements. This is like gang warfare for stocks instead of narcotics. For some, those things are equally addictive and dangerous.
Ghost Grad Sinawo Bikitsha just couldn't resist covering the recent movement in Bed Bath & Beyond as well as the seemingly preposterous issuance of preferred equity by meme stock posted child, AMC Entertainment. The cinema group is issuing AMC Preferred Equity (or APE units - a clear nod to the term that Reddit users lovingly refer to themselves by as they take on the "evil hedge funds") to give itself a new instrument through which to raise capital from the adoring fans on Reddit. The APE shares are convertible into ordinary AMC shares under certain circumstances. All AMC shareholders will be receiving APE shares as a special dividend. It is truly odd.
To learn more about meme stocks and the craziness at times of the US market, Ghost Global is a lovely read this morning.
Pour a bowl of Ghost Bites
Ghost Bites is a great choice for breakfast and this morning is no different. There's big news from Afrimat (some good and some bad), along with Ascendis Health announcing the results of the rights offer. There are earnings updates from Motus Holdings and Sun International.
I've also included some fascinating insights from BMW Financial Services. If you've ever wondered what the weighted average balloon payment on that book is, or what percentage is at tributable to used cars, Ghost Bites has the answer for you this morning.
Treat your ears
- Episode 89 of Magic Markets is an opportunity to understand our research process in Magic Markets Premium and how we unpack listed companies, including concepts like bull vs. bear case, management track record and fundamental analysis.
- Episode 3 of Ghost Stories features Carel Nolte from EasyEquities and a discussion on the insights from investor behaviour on the platform. With such rich data, there is much to learn here.
Daily Market Wrap with TreasuryONE - and a webinar!
The big news is that the US dollar has broken through parity with the euro, though the latest rally in the US dollar is being driven more by euro weakness than dollar strength. Emerging market currencies hardly reacted to the dollar move. Of course, the fear is that this is the next step, with emerging market currencies possibly losing ground.
Although the rand did break through the R17 level in the last hour of local trade, it was a relatively sideways day of trading. The South African CPI number due on Wednesday may provide some rand movement, as a high inflation print will likely mean another rate hike.
The Jackson Hole symposium is the key to this week, with the market keeping a watchful eye on developments there. Fed Chair Powell will speak on Friday, so a volatile end to the week is likely.
On Thursday at 9am, the TreasuryONE team will be treating us to another excellent webinar. The focus will be on inflation and the threat of recession. The team always leaves time for Q&A, so don't miss it! You can register here.
Have a productive Tuesday!
