Daily Short Volume Flow
As of the trading session on October 30, 2026, FINRA Reg SHO data indicates a median off-exchange short-volume ratio of 49.7% across 3,726 covered symbols. This metric tracks the daily flow of trades marked short, which includes essential market-maker hedging activity. It is vital to understand that this is a measure of daily pressure, not the total size of open short positions.
Interpreting the Flow
High short-volume ratios in the off-exchange (TRF/ADF) space often reflect the mechanics of liquidity provision. Market makers frequently sell short to facilitate buy orders from institutional or retail clients. While a high ratio does not inherently signal a bearish conviction or an impending squeeze, consistent deviations from a stock's 20-session average can provide clues regarding shifts in institutional sentiment or increased hedging requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Data Type: Daily Short Sale Volume (Flow)
- Median Ratio: 49.7% across 3,726 symbols
- Source: FINRA Reg SHO Daily Short Sale Volume
- Context: Includes market-maker hedging; not a measure of open interest.
The Bottom Line
Daily short volume provides a real-time look at the 'pressure' on a stock. While 49.7% is a standard median, traders should look for individual tickers that show significant spikes above their 20-day averages as a sign of increased short-side activity.
Signal data sourced from Kresmion. This post is an original analysis prepared by The Forensic Ledger from publicly available data. Not investment advice.
Not investment advice. This is original reporting and analysis prepared by The Forensic Ledger from publicly available data. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always consult the original source and a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer and source-citation policy.