These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

The words short selling in red against a black background

Image source: Getty Images

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

  • Boss Energy leads the list with 19.1% short interest, driven by concerns over its uranium production outlook post-2026.
  • Pilbara Minerals faces shorting due to oversupply fears in the lithium market, and Paladin Energy sees increased short interest, indicating renewed caution towards uranium stocks.
  • IDP Education struggles with visa changes affecting its business, while Domino's Pizza and Polynovo deal with operational and valuation challenges impacting short-selling interest.

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) has returned to the top of the list after its short interest jumped to 19.1%. Short sellers have been going after this uranium producer due to uncertainty over its production outlook beyond 2026.
  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has short interest of 15.6%. This has been driven by concerns over an oversupply of lithium, which hasn't been helped by the reopening of a major mine in China.
  • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 12.7% of its shares held short, which is down week on week again. This language testing and student placement company has been struggling because of visa changes.
  • Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 12.3%, which is up week on week. Short sellers appear to be loading up on uranium stocks again.
  • Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) has short interest of 11.9%, which is up week on week again. This may have been driven by weak synthetic rutile demand.
  • Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has short interest of 11.5%, which is down week on week. Short sellers appear to believe that this pizza chain operator isn't over the worst of its problems.
  • Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has short interest of 10.6%, which is down on week. This mining and mining services company is battling leadership concerns, weak commodity prices, and a precarious balance sheet.
  • PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 10.1%, which is down week on week. This motorsport products company has warned that FY 2026 is likely to be another transition year.
  • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has entered the top ten with short interest of 9.7%. It seems that some short sellers believe that this travel agent giant's recovery will take longer than expected.
  • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 9.6% 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 by short sellers.

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, Flight Centre Travel Group, 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

Farmer with arms folded looking ahead.
Broker Notes

What is Morgans' view on GrainCorp shares after monster sell-off?

Is it time to buy-low after the sell-off?

Read more »

Person handing out $50 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.
Dividend Investing

Where I'd invest $10,000 into ASX dividend shares right now

I think these businesses are a strong buy for passive income.

Read more »

three men stand on a winner's podium with medals around their necks with their hands raised in triumph.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a happy end to the trading week this Friday.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week's sinking market

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

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Market News

Why Aeris Resources, Netwealth, Nova Minerals, and Paragon Care shares are dropping today

These shares are under pressure on Friday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Develop Global, EOS, and Maas shares are racing higher today

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

Read more »

A man leans forward over his phone in his hands with a satisfied smirk on his face although he has just learned something pleasing or received some satisfying news.
Share Market News

Downer EDI wins $870m NZ highway maintenance contracts: What investors need to know

Downer EDI wins major New Zealand state highway maintenance contracts worth NZ$870 million, expanding its infrastructure portfolio.

Read more »