These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

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 business woman looks unhappy while she flies a red flag at her laptop.

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:

  • Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 19.8%. This is up week on week. Short sellers continue to load up on the uranium producer's shares after its guidance for FY 2026 fell materially short of expectations.
  • Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has seen its short interest rise again to 18.2%. This may be due to concerns over the ramp up of the uranium miner's Langer Heinrich Mine.
  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has seen its short interest rebound to 15.1%. Short sellers appear to believe that lithium prices are going to remain under pressure for some time to come.
  • Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) has seen its short interest jump to 14.6%. This uranium enrichment technology company tumbled this month after raising $130 million. Short sellers appear to be betting on further declines.
  • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 12.9% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. This language testing and student placement company is battling very tough trading conditions due to student visa changes.
  • Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC) has seen its short interest remain flat at 11.7% for another week. This retirement living company's shares have been sold off again this year after it lost a major court battle.
  • Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has short interest of 11.7%, which is down week on week again. This may be due to concerns over the state of its balance sheet and weak commodity prices.
  • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 11.6% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. Valuation concerns and softer than forecast sales growth may be behind this.
  • Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) has short interest of 10.3%, which is down sharply week on week. It is yet another lithium miner that short sellers are targeting.
  • Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) has short interest of 9.9%, which is up week on week. Concerns that corporate travel demand could be softening due to tariff uncertainty appears to be behind this.

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 Corporate Travel Management and PolyNovo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Corporate Travel Management. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PolyNovo. 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

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »

A miner in a hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol.
Share Market News

Why Rio Tinto shares could be a smart long-term buy

Rio Tinto combines cash flow, dividends and future commodity exposure.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Broker Notes

Experts name 3 top ASX 200 shares to buy this week

These shares are highly rated. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

Three health professionals at a hospital smile for the camera.
Share Market News

Bell Potter says this ASX healthcare share could rise 93% (It's not CSL)

Let's see which stock the broker is bullish on this week.

Read more »

Green arrow going up on a stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.
Share Market News

Up 230% in 5 years! Is this still a top Australian stock to buy?

Could this business keep generating strong returns?

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Opinions

2 ASX shares I plan to own until I'm 100

I expect to own these ASX shares for decades to come!

Read more »

Zig zaggy green arrow with an American note in the background.
Share Market News

$5,000 invested in the S&P 500 at the start of 2026 is now worth…

The US share market has been a strong performer in 2026 and the long-term…

Read more »

An ASX 200 market analyst holds his hand to his chin and looks closely at his computer screens watching share price movements
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Xero, BHP shares

Let's start the new week with some fresh insights from the experts.

Read more »