S&P Global Market Intelligence released its long/short report for August. Data show that global equities short interest remained flat over the month. REITs, financial services and transport were the most shorted sectors.
Across North American equities, short interest decreased by 3bps over the month. The largest increase in short interest was seen across the household and personal products sector.
Short interest across equities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region increased during the month. Short interest increased across the commercial and professional services (+16bps), pharmaceuticals (+14bps), materials (+12bps) and the semiconductor (+11bps) sectors.
Across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) short interest decreased by 20bps. Average short interest stood at 20bps and the most shorted sector was real estate and property management.
Short interest increased by 85bps across the government bond markets and declined by 12bps across corporate bonds.
The most shorted sectors per region were:
Global equities – REITs
Americas equities – Financial services
APAC equities – Materials
European equities – Real estate management and development