NYSE Short Interest: Bets Against Financial Firms Rises

Investing

Published: February 23, 2008 8:08 am

Short interest in companies traded on the NYSE increased for a number of financial firms based on positions as of February 15. The data compares to numbers on January 31

Shares sold short in Citigroup (NYSE: C) rose 10.9 million shares to 92.8 million. Shares short in Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) moved up 6.3 million to 68.8 million. Shares sold short in Wachovia (NYSE: WB) jumped 16.3 million to 96.8 million. Shares short in Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) increased by 8.8 million to 51.8 million.

Other significant short stakes:

Largest positions in shares sold short

Company Shares Short

Ford (NYSE: F) 216.3 million shares short

Washington Mutual (NYSE: WM) 148,4 million

Countrywide (NYSE: CFC) 103.1 million

Wachovia 96.8 million

Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) 96.5 million

Citigroup 92.8 million

Qwest (NYSE: Q) 92.0 million

AMD (NYSE: AMD) 89.8 million

Micron (NYSE: MU) 80.6 million

Bank of Amerca 68.8 million

Home Depot (NYSE: HD) 65.2 million

GM (NYSE: GM) 63.4 million

EMC (NYSE: EMC) 63.2 million

Largest Increases In Short Position

Washington Mutual 17.6 million increase

Wachovia 16.3 million

Citigroup 10.9 million

CItadel 10.9 million

Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) 9.7 million

Qwest (NYSE:Q) 9.6 million

AT&T (NYSE: T) 9.5 million

Decrease In Short Interest

Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) 19.7 million drop

Rite Aid 19.6 million

Countrywide 10.0 million

MBIA (NYSE: MBI) 8.5 million

Mirant 7.4 million

Motorola (NYSE: MOT) 6.5 million

Texas Instrument (NYSE: TXN) 6.5 million

GE (NYSE:GE) 6.5 million

Data from NYSE and WSJ

Douglas A. McIntyre

100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool

The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.

Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.

A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.

Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.