These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX

Kogan.com Ltd (ASX:KGN) and Webjet Limited (ASX:WEB) shares are among the most shorted shares on the ASX this week…

most shorted ASX shares

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC's short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

  • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) remains the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest easing to 10.2%. This travel agent's shares have come under pressure recently after guiding to a larger than expected second half loss and concerns over travel agent commission reductions.
  • Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) isn't far behind after its short interest rose to 10.1%. Last week this ecommerce company revealed that inventory issues continue to weigh on its performance. As a result, it expects to fall well short of analyst expectations in FY 2021.
  • Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has seen its short interest rise week on week to 10%. This gold miner's shares have been sold off this year due to regulatory issues at its Bibiani operation in Ghana and underwhelming production and guidance.
  • Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) has seen its short interest rise to 9.9%. Short sellers have been increasing their positions in this online furniture and homewares retailer due to a recent and disappointing trading update.
  • Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 9.6%, which is flat week on week once again. Weakness in salmon prices and trade war concerns appear to be behind this high level of short interest.
  • Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest rise week on week to 9.4%. A stuttering travel market recovery, valuation concerns, and travel agent commission reduction fears could be weighing on investor sentiment.
  • Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has entered the top ten with short interest of 8.3%. Short sellers may be concerned that the communications, defence, and space company's performance will be impacted by supply chain issues.
  • Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) has short interest of 8.2%, which is up again week on week. Short sellers may believe the Network as a Service provider's shares are overvalued, especially with bond yields rising.
  • Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8% of its shares held short, which is up slightly week on week. It appears as though investors are concerned about its major contract renewal negotiation with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). The sudden exit of its CEO may also be weighing on sentiment.
  • JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) has entered the top ten with short interest of 7.4%. Short sellers may feel the retail giant's shares are overvalued considering a sharp profit decline is being forecast in FY 2022.
James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Kogan.com ltd, and Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, Kogan.com ltd, MEGAPORT FPO, and Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

asx share price boosted by us investment represented by hand waving US flag across winning athlete
Best Shares

Here are the best-performing ASX 200 shares since the US election result

We reveal the 10 ASX stocks that have had the highest share price gains since the US Presidential election.

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face due to his ASX shares going up and in particular the Computershare share price
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

A decent finish to the week is expected for Aussie investors.

Read more »

A smiling man at a shop counter takes payment from a female customer, with racks of plants in the background.
Best Shares

Here's why I think Wesfarmers shares are a great buy for any ASX investor

I argue that Wesfarmers offers investors both growth and income potential.

Read more »

A golfer celebrates a good shot at the tee, indicating success.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors finally enjoyed a win this Thursday...

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

Up 39% in a year, is there more growth to come for this ASX 200 share?

IML Equity Analyst Josh Freiman shares his views on a major ASX 200 industrial stock.

Read more »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

What the latest US inflation print means for ASX 200 investors

The ASX 200 is likely to benefit if the US Fed cuts interest rates again in December. But will it?

Read more »

guy helping girl invest in shares and dividends
Opinions

5 ways for investors buying ASX shares to stay focused during economic uncertainty

AMP Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver, offers advice on how to handle the Trump factor.

Read more »

A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.
Share Fallers

Why Graincorp, Light & Wonder, Orica, and Wildcat shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on Thursday. But why?

Read more »