These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

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Key points

  • A lithium miner has become the most shorted share due to industry setbacks, while others face challenges in production outlooks and market conditions.
  • Short interest affects various sectors, from energy to education, with companies facing specific operational or market challenges drawing attention.
  • Some firms experience decreasing short interest as positive industry news or closing positions by short sellers mitigate previous concerns.

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:

  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has become the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest easing slightly to 18.1%. News that one of China's largest lithium mines has restarted production this month after resolving permitting issues has been a big blow to the industry.
  • Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest fall to 18%. Concerns over the uranium miner's production outlook beyond 2026 have weighed on its shares.
  • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 13.6% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. It seems that short sellers don't believe the worst is behind this struggling language testing and student placement company.
  • Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 12.2%, which is down sharply week on week. Short sellers may have been closing positions due to positive uranium industry news.
  • Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has short interest of 11.4%, which is up week on week again. Short sellers may believe that things will get worse before they get better for this embattled pizza seller.
  • Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 11%, which is up week on week. This burrito seller's poor performance in US market and its sky high valuation may be attracting short sellers.
  • Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) has short interest of 10.4%, which is up week on week. Weak synthetic rutile demand could be why short sellers are targeting the miner.
  • Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has short interest of 10.4%, which is down week on week. This mining and mining services company has been battling leadership concerns, weak commodity prices, and a precarious balance sheet.
  • PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 10.4%, which is flat week on week again. This motorsport products company has warned that it is expecting another transition year in FY 2026.
  • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 10% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. This medical device company's shares jumped this month after announcing big news out of the US.

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.

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