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

Key points
  • Monitoring ASIC's short position report can reveal significant short selling activity, potentially indicating issues within a company.
  • A notable uranium miner tops the list with heightened short interest amid production concerns, while another miner faces increased short selling due to restarts at a major lithium mine.
  • Several other companies, including education services, medical devices, and fast-food enterprises, experience varying levels of short interest due to different market concerns.
Woman with a scared look has hands on her face.

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) is the Australian share market's most shorted share still after its short interest rose to 20%. This appears to have been driven by concerns over the uranium miner's production outlook beyond 2026.
  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has seen its short interest jump to 18.2%. Short sellers have been loading back up on the lithium miner's shares after one of China's largest lithium mines restarted production this month after resolving permitting issues.
  • Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 16.3%, which is down week on week. Last week, this uranium miner's shares raced higher thanks to positive industry news, which offset a capital raising.
  • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 14.4% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. Short sellers don't appear to believe that the worst is behind this language testing and student placement company.
  • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 12.4% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. Short sellers aren't closing positions despite the medical device company announcing big news out of the US.
  • Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has short interest of 11%, which is down week on week. Short sellers appear to be targeting this mining and mining services company due to leadership concerns, weak commodity prices, and its precarious balance sheet.
  • Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has short interest of 10.7%, which is up sharply week on week. It seems that short sellers believe things will get worse before they get better for this pizza seller.
  • PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 10.4%, which is flat since last week. This motorsport products company warned that it is expecting another transition year in FY 2026.
  • Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 10.3%, which is up week on week. There are concerns over the burrito seller's shares prospects in the US market following a period of underperformance.
  • Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) has entered the top ten with short interest of 10%. Weak synthetic rutile demand could be behind this.

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, PWR Holdings, and PolyNovo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino's Pizza Enterprises and 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

5 mini houses on a pile of coins.
Opinions

2 ASX shares I'd much rather buy than an investment property

Certain ASX shares can offer exposure to real estate with more income potential.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles with a laptop open.
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 man in a business suit rides a graphic image of an arrow that is rebounding on a graph.
Broker Notes

Down 43% this week, are Cochlear shares now the best bargain buy of the year?

A leading analyst believes the historic selloff in Cochlear shares could present a unique buying opportunity.

Read more »

A businessman wears armour and holds a shield and sword.
Share Market News

Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on

ASX investors sought safety in defensive sectors last week.

Read more »

A smiling woman at a hardware shop selects paint colours from a wall display.
Broker Notes

Wesfarmers shares: Buy, hold or sell?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on Wesfarmers shares.

Read more »

An arrow crashes through the ground as a businessman watches on.
Share Fallers

After falling 43% in a week, are Cochlear shares now a buy?

Is this drop a warning sign?

Read more »

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Cochlear, CSL, and DroneShield shares

Are these hugely popular shares in the buy zone or not? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man holding out $50 and $100 notes in his hands, symbolising ex dividend.
Share Market News

How much do I need to invest in ASX shares to earn a $500 monthly passive income?

A $500 per month passive income is more achievable than you'd think.

Read more »