CLRO Borrow Fee Remains Elevated at 226.9%

Persistent Borrowing Pressure on CLRO

ClearOne Inc. (CLRO) remains a focal point for high-cost short selling. According to data from the IBKR public borrow feed, the cost to borrow shares has remained exceptionally elevated throughout the third quarter of 2026. While the fee has moderated slightly from its August peak of 874.6%, it closed at 226.9% as of September 26, 2026. This sustained high cost indicates a significant scarcity of lendable shares and persistent demand from short sellers to maintain or increase positions in the stock.

Market Implications

Investors should note that borrow fees of this magnitude are indicative of a 'hard-to-borrow' status, often associated with high short interest and potential volatility. While these figures represent IBKR-specific lending data, they serve as a reliable proxy for the broader market's difficulty in sourcing shares for short positions. The extreme cost suggests that the cost of carry for short sellers is substantial, potentially increasing the risk of a short squeeze if the share price experiences upward momentum.

Key Takeaways

• Borrow fees for CLRO remain in triple digits, signaling extreme supply-demand imbalance.
• The fee reached a high of 874.6% in August 2026, showing historical volatility.
• Current borrow rates remain elevated at 226.9% as of late September.
• High borrow costs increase the risk of forced buy-ins or short squeezes.

The Bottom Line

CLRO remains one of the most expensive stocks to short in the current market, with borrow fees consistently exceeding 200%, signaling intense pressure and limited share availability.