🎯💰 Squid Game 2: Netflix’s Triumph, Microsoft’s Edge, or Crocs’ Comeback? 💰🎯

When Squid Game 2 premiered on 26 December 2024, it did not merely arrive, it detonated onto the global stage. Garnering an extraordinary 68 million views and an astonishing 487.6 million watch hours in its debut week, the series redefined records, dominating 92 countries. However, while audiences were enthralled, critics have been less forgiving, accusing the show of losing its creative ingenuity.

For me, the allure extended beyond raw numbers. I had the pleasure of watching all 7 episodes with my tech-savvy teenager (a grad in Media studies), who ingeniously unearthed a free streaming option. While a touch mischievous, it saved me from renewing a Netflix subscription over the 🇳🇿 NZ Summertime when I rarely watch Netflix. While my screen remains untouched by Netflix's glow during summer's embrace, my portfolio thrives on its narrative revolution, investing not in the comfort of my living room, but in the global living room of humanity's shared stories. Beyond the thrill of the narrative, it sparked profound discussions on morality, societal structures, and the human psyche, a truly thought-provoking shared experience.

Netflix: A Buy or Overvalued Luxury?

Netflix’s meteoric 83 percent ascent in 2024 underscores its dominance, driven by Squid Game 2 and NFL Christmas fixtures. Retaining a commanding 7.7 percent market share, Netflix remains the epitome of streaming excellence. Yet, its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 37.36 poses a critical question: Is this juggernaut overvalued, or does it retain significant upside?

🔑 Key Levels to Monitor:

Support: 880 dollars

Resistance: 1000 dollars

Upside Target: 1100 dollars

🟢 18 Buy

🟡 8 Hold

🔴 1 Sell

Netflix’s price trajectory exhibits robust upward momentum, buoyed by institutional capital flows and sustained demand. Its ability to seamlessly diversify revenue streams through content licensing, live sports, and strategic merchandising solidifies its stature as my premier pick for 2025. However, prudent investors should remain vigilant regarding elevated valuations and macroeconomic headwinds impacting growth equities.

🌍🌏🌎 The Real-World Inspirations Behind the Fiction

One of the most captivating facets of Squid Game lies in its tethering to real-life socio-economic struggles. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that the character Gi-hun’s poignant backstory was directly influenced by the 2009 Ssangyong Motor Strike in South Korea.

In the series, Gi-hun is made redundant after sixteen years at Dragon Motors, precipitating his descent into financial destitution and his ultimate participation in the games. This parallels the real-world plight of two thousand six hundred and forty-six Ssangyong workers who faced mass redundancies, igniting a seventy-seven-day sit-in strike, a landmark moment in South Korean labour history.

Hwang stated:

“Through the reference to the Ssangyong Motor layoffs, I wanted to illustrate how any ordinary middle-class individual in today’s world can precipitously tumble down the economic ladder.”

This grounding in authentic events resonates universally, shedding light on the pervasive issues of wealth inequality and financial precariousness. Similarly, the narrative arc of Ali, a migrant worker, was inspired by Hwang’s own experiences of racial discrimination, further enriching the series’ connection to global realities.

Would I Invest in the Merchandise?

While the Squid Game 2 merchandise rollout exemplifies innovative branding, I find little appeal in its acquisition. Although I appreciate the creativity behind Puma and KAWS collaborations, the ephemeral nature of such items deters me from investing in them. The KAWS while trendy, the long-term value of such items can be fleeting. Investing in other collectibles that could appreciate over time or become conversation pieces in my home seems more aligned with my interests.

🎽 Apparel and Footwear:

Puma T7 Tracksuit: Undeniably sleek, yet not compelling for me.

Crocs Blood-Splattered Clogs: Conceptually bold, but not aligned with my aesthetic.

Vandy the Pink Hamburger Shoes: Quirky to a fault.

🖼 Collectibles:

KAWS Companion Figures: Impeccably artistic, yet not something I would purchase.

Pop Mart Mega Space Molly: Visually intriguing, but not personally enticing.

🎮 Electronics:

Microsoft Xbox Controllers: Inventive designs, though I remain unmoved.

Razer Orochi V2 Mouse: Functional, but not a priority for my portfolio.

Ultimately, my investment inclinations remain firmly anchored in assets offering more substantial long-term returns.

Other Netflix Spectacles Awaiting Centre Stage in 2025

Beyond Squid Game 2, Netflix’s future content slate is poised to captivate audiences anew:

🎬 The Night Agent Season 2: A pulsating espionage thriller, brimming with intrigue

🏞 American Primeval: A gritty Western that delves into the rugged 1857 frontier

👩‍⚖️ Daredevil: Born Again: Marvel’s iconic blind vigilante makes his much-anticipated return

While Stranger Things remains an enduring cultural phenomenon, I found its narrative after the first season less engaging. Nonetheless, its fifth and final instalment promises to be a significant event, cementing Netflix’s place as the arbiter of diverse and compelling storytelling.

Crocs: A Cautious Rebound?

Crocs seeks to rejuvenate its trajectory through collaborations like Squid Game 2, yet it remains a speculative proposition.

📊 Key Levels to Monitor:

Support: 110 dollars

Resistance: 135 dollars

Upside Target: 155 dollars

Although the price chart I will attach in the comments, exhibits relative strength, the company’s reliance on consumer demand and rectifying operational challenges suggests a cautious approach is warranted.

Microsoft: Innovation Meets Stability

Microsoft’s Squid Game 2-themed Xbox controllers epitomise cultural ingenuity, while its core strengths in AI, cloud computing, and gaming remain impervious to market volatility.

📊 Key Levels to Monitor:

Support: 420 dollars

Resistance: 470 dollars

Upside Target: 505 dollars

Microsoft’s enduring ability to attract institutional inflows and diversify its operations positions it as a steadfast choice for discerning investors.

What Do I Make of Squid Game 2?

While detractors argue that the sequel lacks the originality of its predecessor, I find Squid Game 2 to be an astute continuation of its exploration of morality and survival amidst adversity. The revelation that its narrative is partially grounded in real-world events adds gravitas to its themes, underscoring the profound impact of economic and social inequality. It is a cultural artefact as much as it is macabre entertainment.

Uniting Worlds Through Stories: The Strategic Cultural Investment in Netflix

Among the three contenders, Netflix unequivocally secures its place as my foremost selection for 2025. Its unparalleled ability to transform cultural phenomena into revenue-generating opportunities, coupled with an enviable content pipeline, solidifies its growth trajectory. While the valuation warrants monitoring, the upside to 1100 dollars appears within reach for the discerning trader. Some say Netflix is the ‘canary of the market,’ a bellwether that hints at shifts in consumer sentiment and market dynamics. Its position as a discretionary spending powerhouse and a tech leader often means its performance sets the tone for broader market movements. When Netflix thrives, it signals confidence; when it stumbles, it may be an early warning for turbulence ahead. Is it time to watch the canary closely? By investing in Netflix, I'm not just allocating capital; I'm planting a seed in the fertile ground of global narrative exchange. This investment is a testament to the power of stories to unite, enlighten, and transform, serving as a beacon towards a future where cultural richness is the currency of progress. Let's not view this merely as a financial venture but as a commitment to cultivating a world where diversity in storytelling becomes our greatest asset, propelling us towards a more connected, empathetic global community.

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Happy viewing and trading ahead. Cheers, BC 🍀🍀🍀