These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

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

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

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

Two men celebrate while another holds his head in his hands, after watching the race.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a pleasant end to the trading week today.

Read more »

Lines of codes and graphs in the background with woman looking at laptop trying to understand the data.
Share Fallers

3 ASX 200 shares crashing in this week's rebounding market

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks tumbling this week. But why?

Read more »

Two happy and excited friends in euphoria holding a smartphone, after winning in a bet.
Share Gainers

Why Appen, Guzman Y Gomez, Monadelphous, and PMET shares are racing higher today

These shares are ending the week on a positive note. But why?

Read more »

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering their face.
Share Fallers

Why Catapult Sports, IAG, Telstra, and Tuas shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A man in full American NFL playing kit crouches over with his arms across his chest in a defensive stance against a dark background.
Share Market News

Morgan Stanley names 3 ASX shares to buy

These three very different companies are worth a look, the broker says.

Read more »

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 stocks rocketing higher this week

Investors sent these four ASX 200 shares flying higher this week. But why?

Read more »

YES! spelt out in orange on red background.
Broker Notes

4 ASX shares scoring upgraded ratings this week

Brokers have new confidence in Guzman Y Gomez, TechnologyOne, and others this week.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Broker Notes

Morgans says this top ASX 200 share could rise over 30%

The broker thinks this blue chip could be undervalued at current levels.

Read more »