These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Short sellers are expecting these ASX shares to head south from here…

a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall

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) continues its long run as the most shorted ASX share after its short interest rose gain to 14.2%. Short sellers appear to believe that the market is too optimistic on Flight Centre's revenue margins.
  • Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) has seen its short interest remain flat at 12.7%. Valuation concerns may be weighing on this betting technology company's shares.
  • Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) has seen its short interest remain at 9.8%. Short sellers will have been pleased to see this network as a service provider's shares crash last week after a disappointing quarterly update. Operational trends were far weaker than expected.
  • Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) has 9.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week once again. Short sellers appear to be targeting Sayona and other lithium shares on the belief that lithium prices have peaked.
  • Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) has short interest of 9%, which is down slightly week on week. Goldman Sachs believes this lithium developer's shares are vastly overvalued compared to peers.
  • Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) is another lithium share being targeted by short sellers. It has short interest of 7.8%, which is up week on week. Lithium price concerns and project cost blow outs may be behind this.
  • Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) has 7.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. J Capital has gone public with why it is shorting this lithium developer. It has concerns over its DLE technology and project funding.
  • ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB) has entered the top ten with short interest of 6.9%. A soft start to FY 2023 and uncertainty in the US market appear to be behind this.
  • Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) is back in the top ten with short interest of 6.9%. Short sellers may believe the market is being too optimistic on Zip's profitability target.
  • Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) has rejoined the top ten with short interest of 6.7%. Yet another disappointing quarterly performance from this meme stock appears to have given short sellers even more confidence in their bearish views.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, Betmakers Technology Group, Megaport, and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Betmakers Technology Group, Flight Centre Travel Group, and Megaport. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

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 »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, Flight Centre, Nufarm, and Xero shares are storming higher today

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Opinions

1 ASX growth stock down 30% I'd buy right now

This international business is growing core earnings at a strong rate.

Read more »

Concept image of a man in a suit with his chest on fire.
Record Highs

How long can the CBA share price keep this up?

Australia's biggest bank is running hot. Does it make any sense?

Read more »

Four people on the beach leap high into the air.
Broker Notes

4 ASX All Ords shares offering 10% to 30% annual growth: brokers

These ASX All Ords stocks have caught the eye of brokers this week.

Read more »

A young man wearing glasses writes down his stock picks in his living room.
Opinions

1 ASX stock I'm buying now that the US election is over

This ASX stock is appealing to me for a few different factors.

Read more »