These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Let's see which shares short sellers are targeting this week.

Young man looking afraid representing ASX shares investor scared of market crash

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:

  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) continues its long run as the most shorted ASX share with short interest 17.3%, which is down week on week once again. Short sellers have been going after Pilbara Minerals and other lithium stocks due to falling battery material prices.
  • Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has 14.6% of its share held short, which is down since last week. It is one of a number of uranium stocks that short sellers have been targeting. They appear to believe that prices won't be as strong as expected and see potential operational and ramp up risks.
  • Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 14.2%, which is down week on week. Short sellers appear to have been closing some positions to lock in gains after the uranium miner's shares crashed deep into the red. This was driven by a downgrade to its production guidance and the scrapping of its sales guidance.
  • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 14.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week again. Short sellers will have been pleased to see this language testing and student placement company's shares hit a multi-year low last week amid tough trading conditions due to student visa changes.
  • Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) has seen its short interest rise slightly since last week to 13.3%. This graphite miner has been forced to suspend production intermittently to conserve cash due to low graphite prices.
  • Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has short interest of 10.5%, which is up week on week. This mining and mining services company's shares have come under significant pressure recently amid allegations over the conduct of its founder and CEO, Chris Ellison. He has since announced plans to step down.
  • Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has short interest of 10.1%, which is up week on week again. This pizza chain operator announced that its long-serving CEO is stepping down earlier this month. Though, it is worth noting that some investors believe a change is due after Domino's abject performance in recent years.
  • Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) has 9.9% of its shares held short, which is flat week on week once again. This is another uranium stock that short sellers have successfully targeted in 2024.
  • Adriatic Metals (ASX: ADT) is a new entry in the top ten with short interest of 9.3%. It is a precious and base metals developer that is advancing the Vares Silver Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) has 9.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week again. Some short sellers may be closing positions after the lithium miner's shares dropped 54% in 2024 due to weak lithium prices.

Should you invest $1,000 in Adriatic Metals Plc right now?

Before you buy Adriatic Metals Plc shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Adriatic Metals Plc wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 7 February 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino's Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino's Pizza Enterprises and Idp Education. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino's Pizza Enterprises. 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

Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.
Opinions

Near 52-week lows, are these ASX 300 shares now unmissable bargains?

Are these stocks at valuations that are too good to ignore?

Read more »

A businessman hugs his computer and smiles.
Opinions

If I could only buy and hold a single ASX stock right now, this would be it

This business has a lot of positives.

Read more »

A woman walks along the street holding an oversized box wrapped as a gift.
Best Shares

Top ASX shares to buy following earnings surprises

Who doesn't love a surprise?

Read more »

A runner high-fives as he crosses the finish line in pole position
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a woeful end to a woeful week this Friday for ASX investors.

Read more »

Investor looking at falling ASX share price on computer screen
Earnings Results

2 ASX All Ords shares crashing 16%+ on earnings updates

It's a red day for the market on Friday.

Read more »

Siblings jumping on a trampoline.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks rocketing higher in this week's falling market

These three ASX 200 outperformers have surged 17% to 28% this week!

Read more »

Piggy bank rocketing.
52-Week Highs

ASX shares lifting to 52-week highs on Friday

Do you own any of today's winners?

Read more »

Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »