These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:CUV) and Orocobre Limited (ASX:ORE) shares are amongst the most shorted shares on the ASX right now…

a woman

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

sdf

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

This is because I believe it is 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:

  • Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) is once again the most shorted share on the ASX by some distance. This is despite its short interest falling meaningfully to 18.1%. Short sellers have been targeting Galaxy due to an oversupply of lithium.
  • Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) has short interest of 13.2%, which is flat week on week. The communications satellite technology provider's shares have been suspended since the start of February and are due to return today. However, the company appears to be struggling to arrange financing, which could mean another extension will be requested.
  • Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) has seen its short interest slide to 13.1%. Last week Syrah announced the suspension of its Balama operation due to the coronavirus outbreak. This could be a blessing in disguise given the oversupply of graphite in the market.
  • Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) has seen its short interest drop to 13%. Short sellers have been going after this lithium miner due to falling prices of the battery making ingredient.
  • Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has short interest of 11.2%, which is down week on week once again. Short sellers may believe the poultry company's shares have bottomed after its recent share price weakness. Especially given how more people are eating at home.
  • New Century Resources Ltd (ASX: NCZ) has seen its short interest remain flat at 10.1%. The base metal producer's shares have fallen heavily over the last 12 months and short sellers appear to believe they can go further.
  • JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) is back in the top ten with short interest rising to 9.7%. Short sellers may believe the retailer's performance could be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
  • Pilbara Mineral Ltd (ASX: PLS) has short interest of 9.5%, which is down slightly since last week. Pilbara Minerals is another lithium miner which has fallen heavily over the last 12 months due to weakening lithium prices.
  • Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) has short interest of 9.4%, which is down sharply week on week. Short sellers appear to have been closing positions due to the panic buying which the wholesale distributor is likely to be benefiting greatly from.
  • Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) has entered the top ten with short interest of 9.2%. Investors may believe the biopharmaceutical company's shares are overvalued at the current level. Even after falling over 50% from their 52-week high, its shares are changing hands at 52x earnings.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. 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

An oil worker assesses productivity at an oil rig as ASX 200 energy shares continue to rise.
Share Market News

ASX 200 energy shares lead for the second week as world awaits US decision on Iran

ASX energy shares lifted 5.31% while the ASX 200 fell 0.49% amid the US President contemplating strikes.

Read more »

Two brokers analysing stocks.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 40% to 50%

Analysts at Macquarie see potential for these shares to deliver the goods for investors.

Read more »

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

2 amazing ASX shares I wish I'd bought earlier

I think these stocks are performing incredibly well.

Read more »

Person handing out $100 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.
Share Market News

$20,000 invested in CBA and these ASX 200 shares 5 years ago is worth

Did these shares deliver the goods for investors? Let's find out.

Read more »

a business person checks his mobile phone outside a Wall Street office with an American flag and other business people in the background.
Share Market News

Is the 'sell America' trade back?

Institutional investors appear to be at odds with retail investors.

Read more »

Unsure man analysing data on laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a disappointing end to a disappointing week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

Six smiling office colleagues stand in a row and look at the camera.
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 »