UK was the most shorted European nation in August

Investors bet on industrial decline

The UK was the most shorted nation in Europe in August, according to SEI Novus data, accounting for 23.5% of total short positions, up from 22.6% in July, followed by Germany and Sweden.

The UK and Germany have remained among the top two shorted countries since February 2022, according to the data, with Germany now making up 21.8% of short positions as of August 31, down slightly from the 22.2% July figure. Andrea Gentilini, head of SEI Novus, said that the data implies that confidence in the UK economy "has not returned as inflationary pressures weigh and as the prime minister takes on a host of challenges". Short sellers bet against UK retail stocks amid income squeeze Short-sellers targeted industrial stocks over the month, accounting for 23% of total short acti...