Which stocks can you sell short?

The actual stocks that you can sell short are typically determined by the brokerage and are influenced by trading volume, so stocks of larger companies are more likely to be available for shorting. Check on any stocks you’re considering shorting within your brokerage account.

How do you know when a stock is heavily shorted?

The market keeps track of stocks that are sold short through a measure called short interest. You can look up a stock’s short interest in your brokerage account or on other market data websites.

Can I short sell stocks I already own?

Yes, you can sell short stocks that you own to protect your portfolio from a drop in price and avoid creating a taxable event. This is known as a short sell against the box and is a strategy utilized by long-term investors.

What is the best way to short a stock?

This depends on your risk profile. You can short a stock by buying inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or you can directly short a stock via brokerage platforms. This means you would have to borrow the shares you want to short from the brokerage and sell them on the market. Shorting shares directly comes with additional fees and costs as opposed to inverse ETFs where you only pay either a small annual fee or no fee at all depending on the ETF.

alannaglenn, Publisher at Finder

alannaglenn

Publisher

Alanna Glenn is the publisher for credit cards and credit scores at Finder. She has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada and likes to get into the nitty gritty of all things financial and legal. Outside of the office, you can find her doing yoga and petting other people's dogs.

Stock Trading

How to Buy Medline (MDLN) Stock

See how and where to buy Medline (MDLN), view past price performance and learn what’s ahead for shareholders.

Business Loans

6 Best Inventory Financing Companies for 2026

The best business loans for inventory financing, including options for low rates, no credit check, low revenue requirements and more.

Business Loans

Chase Business Loans Review: Competitive Option in 2026

A review of Chase business loans, including term loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing and SBA loans.

Buy now, pay later

Flex Pay Review: BNPL Flights & Other Travel in 2026

A review of Flex Pay (formerly Uplift), a BNPL service that lets you make travel and other purchases and repay them over time in equal monthly installments.

Business Loans

Stripe Capital Review: Fast Funding for Stripe Customers (2026)

A quick way to finance your business — but with no upfront details about cost.

Business Loans

Best Business Loans for Good Credit in 2026

Compare our five top picks for SBA loans and more if you have excellent credit.

Bank Accounts

12 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for 2026: Money Edition

Realistic Ways to Make Your Money Go Further in 2026.

Business Loans

Biz2Credit Review: Easy to Qualify – But Hidden Costs (2026)

Biz2Credit connects you with lenders to get a loan to grow your business. Compare the loan types offered and see how they stack up to other business loans.

News

Medline Targets $55.3 Billion Valuation in High-Profile IPO

Medline is targeting a $55.3B valuation as it returns to public markets in a major 2025 IPO.

Stock Trading

Short Selling Explained: How to Short Stocks

Learn the basics of short selling to profit when prices are down.

alannaglenn

Latest articles by alannaglenn

Advertiser disclosure