The 10 Most Shorted ASX Stocks Plus the Biggest Risers and Fallers – Week 18

Highlights:

• Short interest remains high in uranium and lithium sectors, with Boss Energy and Paladin Energy leading the list.

• IperionX sees a notable surge in short interest, while Collins Foods faces mixed sentiment after its strategic update.

• Droneshield's performance continues to rally, squeezing short sellers amid a significant contract win.

The stock market continues to reflect a dynamic blend of sector-specific pressures and shifts in investor sentiment. ASX Stocks have been subject to varying levels of short interest, with some facing heightened bearish activity while others exhibit increasing investor interest. This report explores the top shorted stocks for Week 18 and the market movements of the biggest risers and fallers during the period from April 11 to 16, 2025.

Most Shorted ASX Stocks

The most shorted ASX stocks are primarily concentrated in the uranium and lithium sectors, as these industries experience both opportunities and challenges. The continued high short interest in these sectors may indicate skepticism about their short-term outlook.

Boss Energy is at the forefront, maintaining significant short interest, reflecting continued doubts about the uranium sector. The company remains under pressure as short-sellers place bearish bets on its future performance, driven by sector-specific challenges.

Paladin Energy, another major uranium player, follows closely with substantial short interest. Despite some fluctuation in short interest levels, Paladin continues to be a key focus for short-sellers, reflecting concerns about the volatility of the uranium market.

Other stocks with notable short interest include Mineral Resources, Deep Yellow, and Idp Education. These companies face varied challenges, from fluctuating commodity prices to global market dynamics. Short interest in these stocks reflects uncertainty about their near-term growth, with some seeing slight increases in short positions week-on-week.

Rising Short Interest

IperionX has seen a significant rise in short interest. The company's stock has gained attention due to its focus on high-quality titanium alloys and its Titan Project in Tennessee. Despite a recent rally in its stock price, the high capital expenditure nature of the project has attracted short interest, suggesting market caution toward IperionX's future performance.

Collins Foods experienced a modest increase in short interest following a strategic update, which included its exit from Taco Bell Australia and expansion plans in Germany. The decision to close Taco Bell outlets was seen as financially prudent, yet the mixed reaction from the market led to concerns about the company’s short-term outlook, especially given challenges in the Netherlands and the overall global expansion strategy.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals and Viva Energy Group have also seen increases in short interest, reflecting ongoing sector-specific concerns and market volatility. Both companies face market conditions that fuel short-seller activity, adding to the complexity of their stock performance.

Most Covered Stocks

In contrast to rising short interest, some stocks saw a reduction in short positions, signaling limited short covering activity. Alcoa Corporation and Healius were among the stocks experiencing decreases in short interest, with both companies seeing some reduction in bearish positions as the market responded to various sector developments.

Whitehaven Coal, another resource stock, also experienced a slight decline in short interest, though coal stocks remain under scrutiny due to ongoing global shifts in energy demand and commodity prices. The minor decrease in short interest could suggest a temporary shift in sentiment within the coal sector.

Droneshield has managed to squeeze short sellers, with its shares soaring after the announcement of a significant contract win. The company’s successful bid for a large defense contract has positively impacted its stock, compelling short sellers to adjust their positions. Droneshield’s rally continues to demonstrate the volatility and opportunity in the defense technology sector.