Analysis: US stock short positions surge to highs, S&P 500 short interest approaches the highest level since 2010

According to Odaily, The Kobeissi Letter posted on X that data shows a continued increase in US stock short positions. Currently, the short interest ratio for S&P 500 index components has risen to about 3.7% of shares outstanding, approaching the highest level since 2010; for Russell 3000 index components, the short interest ratio has climbed to about 6.1%, also nearing a historic high.

Both indicators have been rising steadily since the beginning of 2025. In addition, the short interest ratio for all stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange reached 9.0% in late June, setting a new record high. By comparison, this indicator peaked at around 5.0% during the 2008 financial crisis and was about 6.0% during the 2020 pandemic.