Short interest in Air France soars 15 March 2016London Reporter: Drew Nicol
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Air France has claimed the EMEA top spot in the latest FIS Astec Analytics hot stock list after experiencing renewed headwinds this year.
Traders banked profits from short positions in the airline at the close of 2016 after share price dropped from more than €8.60 in the opening months of 2016 to €4.65 by September, with short interest rising 95 percent over the same period.
Astec Analytics data highlights that some short sellers returned this year for another bite of the cherry, with short interest hitting new a 12-month peak in mid-February.
Those traders might be punished, however, as Astec Analytics noted that Air France’s share price has rebounded from January lows to close at €7.34.
“Short sellers ran for the exits and short interest has been cut by more than one-third as the shares took off, suggesting this might not be just a blip,” Astec Analytics explained.
In the Asia Pacific, Singapore Press returned to pole position.
Short sellers were hoarding 57 percent of the available shares as of last week, which is currently fluttering around SGD 3.50 (USD 2.48), with the total volume just shy of the 12-month peak.
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