Answer: MEME

A meme refers to a cultural phenomena, such as an image, video, or phrase, that spreads rapidly and widely through the internet. It is often humorous or relatable and shared among internet users. The clue "___ stock" might be referring to a "meme stock," which is a term used to describe stocks that experience sudden and significant price fluctuations due to social media attention and online communities. These stocks are often driven by speculative investing, where traders are influenced by online trends and discussions rather than traditional market analysis.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Internet phenomenon. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.