Short interest rises in consumer discretionary sector - S&P

Big 5 Sporting Goods

03/02/2022 15:59

** Short sellers are raising their bets against consumer
discretionary stocks in light of lingering supply chain
problems, inflation and declining consumer confidence - S&P
Global Market Intelligence
    ** S&P says short interest in consumer discretionary stocks
climbed to 4.62% as of mid-January, higher than any other
sector, and is up 85 basis points from its most recent low at
October-end 
    ** Data and analysis show short sellers believe consumer
spending could take a hit as the economy attempts to emerge from
a nearly two-year-long global health crisis
    ** Citi Trends  CTRN.O  is the most shorted consumer
discretionary stock, with nearly 30% short interest
    ** Vinco Ventures  BBIG.O , Bed Bath & Beyond  BBBY.O , Big
5 Sporting Goods  BGFV.O  and PetMed Express  PETS.O  are among
the top 10 - S&P
    ** S&P 600 Consumer Discretionary index  .SPSMCD  and S&P
Composite 1500 Consumer Discretionary index  .SPCOMD  are down
around 10% this year

 (Reporting by Praveen Paramasivam)
 ((Praveen.Paramasivam@thomsonreuters.com;))