Analyzing Daily Short Sale Flow
According to the latest FINRA Reg SHO daily short sale volume files for the session of October 21, 2026, the median off-exchange short-volume ratio reached 53.2%. This data covers 3,603 symbols with at least 100,000 shares traded, providing a broad look at the daily short-selling pressure across the market.
Understanding the Data
It is critical to distinguish that this figure represents daily trading flow—including market-maker hedging—rather than open short interest. The high median ratio highlights the significant role that short-selling plays in daily liquidity provision and market-making activities. Investors should use this data to gauge daily sentiment and potential intraday pressure rather than as a proxy for long-term bearish positioning.
Key Takeaways
- The median off-exchange short-volume ratio was 53.2% on October 21, 2026.
- Data covers 3,603 symbols with significant trading volume.
- This metric reflects daily flow and market-maker activity, not open short interest.
The Bottom Line
Daily short volume remains a vital tool for understanding intraday market pressure, with the latest data showing a high concentration of short-side activity in off-exchange trading.
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.