Not a fan of Fred? Click here for a one-click opt-out experience.
One-Click Unsubscribe here. |

Wall Street Loads Up on Meta Shorts Despite 25% YTD Gain
August 20, 2025
|
MorningBullets is the fastest way to catch up on the market and political news that matter most to your money. Quick takes, sharp insight, and curated opportunities—served fresh every weekday morning. |
![]() |
Visualizing the collision of biotech setbacks and government intervention in tech. |
Good Morning, Markets were a mixed bag yesterday with Viking Therapeutics taking a 42% nosedive on weak trial data, splitting Wall Street’s finest down the middle.Traders are questioning whether AI and metaverse spending can deliver returns, even as the stock is up 25% this year. Is this smart skepticism or another tech overcorrection? We’ve also got Target’s CEO transition and tariff talks rippling through retail. Stick around for a trivia tidbit to test your financial chops. And here are your Morning Bullets. – Truly yours, Fred Frost |
Sponsored Content
Don’t Buy Another Stock Until You See ThisThis tool shows when a stock’s about to explode (or collapse). Hedge funds pay $20K/month — you get it for $7. Get 3 stocks flashing "BUY" now + a free guide to trade them. 👉 Claim Your Stock Picks NowBy clicking the link above, you agree to receive periodic updates from our sponsor. |
📉 Yesterday's Market RecapTuesday saw a choppy market with the Dow scraping a minor gain, while the Nasdaq took a beating, dragged down by tech and growth stock sell-offs. Viking Therapeutics’ 42% plunge stole headlines, but AI darlings like Palantir and Nvidia also bled red. Here’s what moved the needle.
|
📉 Daily Performance Snapshot
|
🔭 What to Watch TodayToday’s calendar brings earnings reports, policy signals, and market reactions that could sway your portfolio. Keep an eye on these developments for potential volatility or opportunity. |
💡 Opportunity WatchAmid today’s turbulence, a few sectors and stocks stand out for potential upside if you’re willing to play the long game. Here’s where the smart money might look.
|
Sponsored Content
Next High-Velocity Stock Alert Drops SoonMissed INM’s 1,900% move? Our alert system signals when a small-cap’s about to pop. The next one is days away — and early action matters. 📊 See the Chart Setup NowBy clicking the link above you agree to receive periodic updates from our sponsor. |
🔥 The Big BulletWall Street Bets Against Meta More Than Microsoft and Palantir CombinedWhat happened: Short interest in Meta Platforms Inc. has surged, surpassing the combined value of short positions in both Microsoft and Palantir. Traders are increasingly betting against Meta despite its strong stock performance this year, with shares up more than 25%. This rising skepticism appears linked to concerns about the company’s heavy investments in artificial intelligence and the metaverse. Meta now tops the leaderboard for tech stock shorts, outpacing even historically polarizing names. Why it matters: This shift suggests that investors are questioning the long-term payoff of Meta’s aggressive growth strategy. Short sellers tend to target companies they believe are overvalued or vulnerable to setbacks. While Meta’s year-to-date gains reflect optimism about its AI tools and ad recovery, the swell in bearish bets reveals a split in market sentiment. If these short positions build further, they could put downward pressure on the stock or trigger volatility. Investors may read the sharp divergence between Meta and peers like Microsoft as a sign of tightening scrutiny on high-spending tech firms. Rising interest rates and inflation concerns may also be prompting more caution toward companies with long-term return horizons. What’s next: Watch for Meta’s next earnings report and updates on its AI and metaverse investments. These disclosures will likely shape whether short sellers maintain or reduce their positions. Also, institutional moves — such as changes in hedge fund exposure — could shift sentiment quickly. Broader tech sector weakness, like the current drag on Big Tech stocks, might amplify Meta’s risks if it underperforms expectations. On the flip side, stronger-than-expected AI monetization or cost control could squeeze out short sellers and reignite bullish momentum. |
Sponsored Content
Unlock 2025's Private Market EdgeAccredited investors: Want access to pre-IPO deals, VC funds, and private placements? Get the 2025 Accredited Investor Playbook—your roadmap to top-tier opportunities.
By clicking the link you are subscribing to The Investor Newsletter Daily Newsletter and may receive up to 2 additional free bonus subscriptions. Unsubscribing is easy. Full disclosures found here. |
🧭 Policy & Market Ripples
|
Today's Trivia
Yesterday, 86% of you chose the right answer to the trivia question: FDIC
|