Technology
Tech Titans Tumble
May 30, 2025
Markets soared yesterday, and so did the tension for short sellers who bet against some fast-moving tech names. A mix of macro policy shifts and AI-fueled optimism sent stocks rallying—and forced some bearish bets to unravel in spectacular fashion.
Let’s unpack what went down, from botched ad campaigns to international diplomacy, and a few retail investor revenge arcs in between.
Coca-Cola recently found itself in the awkward position of going viral—for all the wrong reasons. In an attempt to align the brand with cultural sophistication, Coke’s marketing team rolled out a campaign spotlighting its presence in historic literature. Sounds charming, right? But instead of turning to scholars or historians, they turned to AI to generate the content. The result: factual faceplants. Think misattributed quotes, fake authors, and mentions in books Coke was never actually in.
The backlash was swift. Critics called it a case study in lazy marketing, while others saw it as a cautionary tale about over-relying on generative AI for creative work. It’s not the first time a brand has slipped on this kind of digital banana peel—but for Coca-Cola, whose reputation is built on iconic advertising, it stung a little more. Sometimes, the old ways of storytelling still work best.
These rapid moves have all the classic signs of a short squeeze. Traders who had bet on the stocks falling were forced to buy shares to cover their positions as prices rose quickly—only adding more fuel to the fire. For retail investors, this is familiar territory, reminiscent of the meme stock battles of recent years, when communities online banded together to rally around heavily shorted companies.
But this time feels a little different. Executives aren’t shying away from the drama. SoundHound’s CEO, for instance, recently went on air with a pointed message to skeptics: “Bring it.” These companies are riding the AI wave, sure—but they’re also tapping into a very human underdog narrative, one that’s as much about proving the doubters wrong as it is about quarterly results.
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Turn just locked in a game-changing commitment—up to $75M in investment from GEM Global Yield Fund. This private equity boost is tied to the company’s plans to go public, setting the stage for Turn to make bold moves in the market spotlight..2
Turn is rolling out institutional, accredited, and unaccredited investors to participate in their current crowdfunding campaign — but only until January 2025.3
After months of tense negotiations and tit-for-tat policy moves, the U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day tariff cooldown. It’s a significant de-escalation in the ongoing trade saga and one that brought a collective sigh of relief to global markets. While the truce doesn’t resolve the structural issues between the two economic giants, it signals a willingness—at least temporarily—to dial back hostilities.
Investors wasted no time reacting. The S&P 500 jumped 3.3%, the Nasdaq 100 climbed 4%, and the Russell 2000 saw a 3.5% gain. The rally was led by beaten-down names that had previously been slammed on fears of shrinking profits tied to global trade slowdowns. It was a risk-on day across the board, and traders were clearly in the mood to buy what had been left for dead.
As tensions between the U.S. and China fluctuate, there’s been a noticeable rise in TikTok content showcasing the tech-forward, hyper-modern side of life in China. Whether it's videos of sleek new flying taxis or highly produced clips of factories churning out cutting-edge products, the messaging is clear: China is modern, competent, and thriving. Some of the accounts seem organic. Others... not so much.
While it’s tempting to label all of it as propaganda, the truth is more nuanced. Many of these videos are likely part of a broader soft power strategy—one that doesn’t rely on official government messages but instead lets lifestyle content do the heavy lifting. Still, it’s a good reminder to apply the same skepticism to all algorithm-driven platforms. Instagram, YouTube, and others may not be state-run, but they, too, shape what you see—and why you see it.
Several major names jumped on the back of the U.S.-China détente. Amazon and Apple led the way, benefiting from the reduced risk of rising component and import costs. Both stocks spiked sharply during the day’s rally, helping drive the overall tech surge.
Elsewhere, airlines and cruise operators gained altitude, with investors hoping for increased travel activity between the two economic superpowers. Shopify posted one of the day’s biggest moves, climbing nearly 14% as it preps to join the Nasdaq 100 next week. Momentum stocks were back in vogue, and the rally had room for nearly everyone.
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$16M has already been invested into the company. You can invest before the round closes in 29 days.2
1 The partnership relationship varies between companies and can include the following: inclusion on a preferred vendor list, invitations to participate in certain forums; listed on the other company's website, and introduction and networking opportunities.
Advertiser's disclosures:
¹ The Company's Formula (Gx-03/Hexagen/Atopx) Has Received 510k Marketing Approval As A Medical Device Indicated For The Management Of Symptoms Related To Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema. The Formula Has Not Received Approval As A Drug For The Treatment Of Eczema Or Onychomycosis.
² A plan to IPO is no guarantee that an actual IPO will occur.
³ Please read the offering circular and related risks at StartEngine’s Turn Therapeutics webpage. This is a paid advertisement for Turn Therapeutics Regulation CF Offering. This Reg CF offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities.
