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

An old-fashioned panel of judges each holding a card with the number 10
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a Garfield kind of Monday for investors.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why ASX, CSL, Galan Lithium, and NextDC shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. Let's find out why.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, EOS, Gorilla Gold, and Neuren shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week with a bang. Here's why.

Read more »

A woman smiles over the top of multiple shopping bags she is holding in both hands up near her face.
Broker Notes

Broker tips 68% upside for Myer shares following brutal sell-off

Could a turnaround be on the cards?

Read more »

a woman holds her hands to her temples as she sits in front of a computer screen with a concerned look on her face.
Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

Read more »

Two cheerful miners shake hands while wearing hi-vis and hard hats celebrating the commencement of a HAstings Technology Metals mine and the impact on its share price
Share Market News

Westgold unveils spin-out of non-core Reedy and Comet gold assets

Westgold Resources will demerge its non-core gold assets to Valiant Gold via an IPO, aiming to unlock value for shareholders.

Read more »

A senior couple discusses a share trade they are making on a laptop computer
Share Market News

IperionX secures US Navy deal with Carver Pump order

IperionX secures Carver Pump order for US Navy, signalling accelerating production of critical titanium components.

Read more »