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
  • Pilbara Minerals and Boss Energy face short seller scrutiny due to lithium oversupply and uranium production uncertainties, respectively.
  • Short interest affects various sectors, from energy to education, with companies facing specific operational or market challenges drawing attention.
  • Domino's Pizza, Guzman Y Gomez, and others see increases in short interest amid valuation challenges and strategic concerns.
A young couple look upset as they use their phones.

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:

  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) continues to be the most shorted share on the Australian market despite its short interest easing slightly to 17.9%. Concerns over an oversupply of lithium appears to be behind this high level of short interest.
  • Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest fall again to 17.3%. Short sellers have been targeting this uranium producer due to uncertainty over its production outlook beyond 2026.
  • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 13.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week again. Short sellers appear to believe this language testing and student placement company could have another tough year in 2026.
  • Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has short interest of 12%, which is up week on week again. This struggling pizza chain operator's shares have lost half of their value this year.
  • Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 11.8%, which is up week on week again. This burrito seller's sky-high valuation may be attracting short sellers. Especially given its poor performance in the US. GYG shares trade at 129x estimated FY 2026 earnings.
  • Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 11.3%, which is down sharply week on week once again. Positive industry news could be why short sellers are closing positions.
  • Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) has short interest of 11.3%, which is up week on week. This may be due to weak synthetic rutile demand.
  • Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has short interest of 10.8%, which is up week on week. Leadership concerns, weak commodity prices, and a weak balance sheet have weighed heavily on this mining stock.
  • PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 10.4%, which is flat week on week once again. This motorsport products company is expecting another transition year in FY 2026.
  • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 9.9% of its shares held short, which is down week on week again. Valuation concerns may be why this medical device company's shares are being targeted. Its shares trade at 64x estimated FY 2026 earnings.

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

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Broker Notes

Why this surging ASX All Ords gold stock is tipped to rocket another 79%

A leading broker forecasts more outsized gains from this fast-rising ASX gold stock. But why?

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Another good session is expected for Aussie investors today.

Read more »

A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.
Resources Shares

Up 67% in a year! The red-hot South32 share price is smashing BHP, Rio and Fortescue

Here's why I think the miner could outpace some of its peers in 2026.

Read more »

Woman in business suit holds both hands out with a question mark above each hand.
Opinions

2 ASX 300 shares I'm close to buying next!

These ASX 300 shares look like a great buy to me today!

Read more »

A wide-smiling businessman in suit and tie rips open his shirt to reveal a green t-shirt underneath.
Record Highs

This ASX lithium giant just hit a record high again. Here's why investors keep chasing it

PLS shares hit another record high as lithium prices keep climbing.

Read more »

A miner in a hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol.
Record Highs

Why Rio Tinto shares just hit a new record high on Tuesday

Rio Tinto shares hit a record high as copper and iron ore shine.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb another 35%

These shares have helped push the ASX 200 Index higher.

Read more »

A person working on a computer holds a lightbulb that is connected to the network and shining brightly.
Broker Notes

Origin Energy shares: Experts argue the case to buy, hold, and sell

Three experts present three different ratings.

Read more »