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Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA), a dominant force in the semiconductor industry, has witnessed a dramatic increase in its market value recently. In just a week, the company’s market cap surged by an astonishing $350 billion, propelled by a complex market mechanism known as a “gamma squeeze.”
This event has caught the attention of investors and analysts alike, as it illustrates the powerful dynamics at play in the options market, as reported by The Financial Times.
Nvidia’s market capitalization reached an impressive $2.69 trillion by the close of last week, surpassing the combined valuations of financial giants such as JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM) and Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK) (NYSE:BRK).
This remarkable increase followed Nvidia’s robust first-quarter earnings report on May 23, which highlighted significant revenue growth. At its peak, the company’s market value had increased by nearly $500 billion, a figure comparable to the entire market capitalization of Tesla Corp (NASDAQ:TSLA).
A gamma squeeze occurs when the bulk buying of call options—contracts that grant the right to purchase a stock at a predetermined price—forces brokers to buy the underlying shares to hedge their positions. This creates a feedback loop: as Nvidia’s stock price rose, optimistic traders bought more call options, compelling brokers to buy additional shares to stay hedged, further driving up the stock price.
Charlie McElligott, an equity derivatives strategist, described Nvidia as a “one-way wrecking machine,” explaining that brokers who sold call options had to continuously buy Nvidia shares to hedge, amplifying the upward pressure on the stock price.
Gamma squeezes are not a new phenomenon in financial markets. A notable example is the 2021 rally of meme stocks like GameStop Corp (NYSE:GME), which experienced extreme volatility due to similar trading dynamics.
However, Nvidia’s situation is distinct due to its substantial profit margins and its pivotal role in the generative artificial intelligence sector, which heavily relies on Nvidia’s technology.
Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, noted that gamma squeezes often require a catalyst, such as an earnings beat or a stock split. Nvidia’s recent surge was likely triggered by its impressive earnings report and the announcement of a 10-for-1 stock split.
The excitement around generative AI and Nvidia’s integral role in this technology has significantly contributed to the stock’s momentum. Josh Brown, CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, highlighted how announcements of significant capital expenditure by companies like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT), with Nvidia as the beneficiary, drive both stocks higher.
However, Brown also warned that this momentum could face challenges if financial officers start scrutinizing the returns on such heavy investments.
For investors, Nvidia’s recent performance amid the gamma squeeze presents both opportunities and risks.
While the company’s leadership in AI and strong financial performance make it an attractive investment, the volatility induced by the gamma squeeze and the potential for a market correction warrant caution.
Photo: Shutterstock
