According to data provided by Locatestock.com, the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF was the top issue last week sought by short sellers who use its service.
John Tabacco, CEO of Locatestock.com, said other frequently requested stocks last week include Ambac , the bond insurer, then Companhia Siderurgica Nacional , the Brazilian steelmaker, followed by bond insurer MBIA . Health Care Reit Inc was also on his top five list.
But the MSCI Emerging Markets ETF was by far the most in demand and that is a change from the month earlier. In the December to early January period, Tabacco said Locatestock was asked to find 853,000 shares for short sellers, or just 0.25 percent of the total 342 million shares traded in the same time period. But in January through the first couple days of February, Locate was asked to find 7.3 million shares of a total 620 million shares traded.