Tech has been clobbered by a broad rotation taking place in 2026, and the latest sell-off in software stocks has only added to the pain. Yet, on the other end of that pain has been a $24 billion gain for short-sellers. The software rout took off this week, but some of the biggest names in tech have been struggling all year, battling both micro and macro forces that have hurt demand for high-flying AI plays.For short-sellers betting against these stocks, the last six weeks have been a windfall. A report fro ...

Core Viewpoint - Hedge funds are significantly increasing their short positions against software stocks, leading to a substantial decline in the sector, with a total market value loss of $1 trillion this year [1][3]. Group 1: Hedge Fund Activity - Hedge funds have realized a $24 billion profit from shorting software stocks in 2026 [1]. - Analysts indicate that hedge funds are currently net short on software stocks, reflecting a bearish sentiment in the industry [4]. Group 2: Market Performance - The iShares Expanded Tech-Software ETF (IGV) has experienced an 8% drop this week, contributing to a year-to-date loss exceeding 21% [3]. - Since reaching its all-time high in September of the previous year, the ETF has declined by 30% [3]. Group 3: Focus of Short Selling - The primary targets for short selling are companies offering basic automation services that can be easily replicated by emerging AI technologies [2].

Group 1: Michael Burry's Investment Strategies - Michael Burry gained fame for shorting the housing market and subprime mortgages, leading to significant profits during the 2008 financial crisis [2][3] - He has a history of making successful predictions, including shorting overvalued tech stocks before the dot-com bubble burst in 2000 and warning about meme stocks and crypto leverage in 2021 [5][6] - Burry recently closed his hedge fund, Scion Asset Management, citing a disconnect between his valuation estimates and market prices [6] Group 2: GameStop Investment - Burry disclosed his recent purchases of GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a video game retailer that gained viral attention in early 2021 due to retail investors on Reddit's r/WallStreetBets [8] - The stock price of GameStop surged from less than $20 to nearly $500 within a few days due to significant buying pressure [9] - Burry expressed his expectation of buying GameStop shares at what may soon be 1x tangible book value / 1x net asset value [10]

Core Insights - ImmunityBio's share price has surged significantly, tripling in value over three weeks, leading to increased trading volume and interest from short-sellers [2][4]. Company Overview - ImmunityBio specializes in developing immunotherapies for cancers and infectious diseases, with a current market capitalization of $6.4 billion [2]. - The stock closed at $6.92, reflecting a 6.79% increase on the day, with a trading volume of 96 million shares, which is approximately 357% above its three-month average [2]. Market Context - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also saw gains, with increases of 1.16% and 1.18% respectively, indicating a positive market environment for biotechnology stocks [3]. - Other biotechnology peers, such as Nkarta and Allogene Therapeutics, also experienced stock price increases, highlighting ongoing investor interest in higher-risk drug developers [3]. Short-Selling Dynamics - Short-sellers are facing significant losses, with nearly $500 million in paper losses reported due to 35% of ImmunityBio's public float being held short prior to the stock's recent rise [5]. - The recent price increase is attributed to short-sellers potentially covering their positions following a series of positive developments for the company [4].

Core Viewpoint - The company reaffirms its financial strength and strategic progress despite elevated short-selling activity, emphasizing a significant disconnect between its market valuation and intrinsic value [1][2][3]. Financial Position - Total assets exceed US$106.7 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling approximately US$53.8 million, and shareholders' equity at around US$56.9 million [3]. - The current market capitalization is approximately US$14 million, representing about 25% of net asset value and less than 30% of cash and short-term investments [3]. Expense Management - Increased operating expenses are attributed to a prolonged shareholder control dispute, which is exceptional and non-recurring, not indicative of operational weakness [4]. - The company has optimized its cost structure and improved the efficiency of strategic capital deployment while maintaining stable operational progress [4]. Income Generation - The company generated over US$3.5 million in interest and investment income during the first nine months, showcasing a resilient financial foundation [5]. Strategic Focus - The company aims to expand higher-margin experiential and live entertainment businesses, advance monetization models, and pursue selective investment opportunities [6]. - With liquidity exceeding US$53 million, the company is positioned to execute its growth strategy without pressure from short-term market fluctuations [6]. Shareholder Guidance - The company advises shareholders to exercise caution regarding unverified commentary and to evaluate based on official disclosures and long-term value rather than short-term price movements [7]. - Management remains confident in delivering sustainable value to long-term shareholders and is committed to transparent communication and disciplined execution [8].

Core Viewpoint - The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed the compliance deadlines for hedge funds and large investors regarding new disclosure rules for short selling and stock lending, extending the deadlines to January 2, 2028, and September 28, 2028, respectively [1][2]. Group 1: SEC Actions and Regulations - The SEC's decision to delay compliance is characterized as necessary for public interest and investor protection [1]. - The new rules, issued in October 2023, require certain investment managers to report short-sale data monthly, with pension funds, banks, and institutional money managers required to report stock lending transactions the following day [2]. Group 2: Industry Reactions - Trade groups such as the Managed Funds Association and the Alternative Investment Management Association have legally challenged the SEC's rules, arguing they exceed the agency's authority and lack consideration of economic impacts [3]. - AIMA expressed satisfaction with the delay, viewing it as a relief for market participants while the SEC reassesses its approach [4]. Group 3: Internal SEC Perspectives - SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw has voiced concerns regarding the delay, labeling it as a potential indefinite postponement of compliance and suggesting it undermines the rule of law [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Michael Burry, known for his contrarian investment strategies, has made significant bets against Nvidia and Palantir, indicating a belief that the AI sector may be overvalued and poised for a downturn [5][12]. Company Summaries Nvidia - Nvidia has a current market capitalization of $4,572 billion and recently traded at $188.13, with a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio exceeding 30 [14][20]. - The company is recognized as the leader in AI graphics processing units (GPUs) and has enjoyed substantial competitive advantages [15]. - Despite its growth, Nvidia's high P/S ratio raises concerns about sustainability, reminiscent of past market bubbles [20]. Palantir Technologies - Palantir has a market capitalization of $424 billion and is currently priced at $177.93, with a staggering P/S ratio of 152 [18][20]. - The company's Gotham software-as-a-service platform is noted for having no direct replacement, contributing to its competitive edge [15]. - Similar to Nvidia, Palantir's elevated valuation metrics suggest potential risks associated with its stock price [20]. Investment Insights - Burry's recent 13F filing reveals a notional value put option position of $912.1 million in Palantir and approximately $186.6 million in Nvidia, indicating a strong bearish stance [12][13]. - Historical trends suggest that high P/S ratios, such as those currently seen in Nvidia and Palantir, often precede market corrections, as seen during the dot-com bubble [20]. - The rapid growth rates of both companies may temporarily support their stock prices, but historical patterns indicate a high likelihood of Burry's bearish bets being profitable in the long run [20].

Core Insights - Carl Icahn's net worth has decreased from approximately $17.5 billion to around $4.8 billion, marking a nearly 75% decline due to allegations from Hindenburg Research regarding inflated valuations and unsustainable dividends [1][8] - Icahn Enterprises has lost about 80% of its market value since the short-selling attack in May 2023, leading to significant financial challenges for the company [6][8] Financial Performance - Icahn Enterprises reported a net income of $287 million in the last quarter, a significant increase compared to the previous year, driven by gains in CVR Energy [14] - Despite recent losses, Icahn pointed to a rebound in third-quarter earnings as one of the company's best performances [13] Management and Succession - Succession planning within Icahn Enterprises has become uncertain, with key personnel changes and a major loss in a position with Bausch Health exceeding $700 million [10][11] - Brett Icahn, the founder's son, rejoined the firm in 2020, but recent investment strategies have faced challenges [10] Strategic Focus - Icahn has shifted his focus towards addressing the influence of major index fund managers like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, which he believes undermines shareholder activism [16][17] - He is drafting a white paper aimed at Congress to propose restrictions on the voting power of these firms [17] Personal Insights - Despite health challenges, Icahn remains committed to his work and has expressed a belief that his activism strengthens capitalism [5][18] - He continues to engage in personal interests, such as betting on NFL games, while maintaining a focus on investment reviews [4]

Core Insights - Palantir's CEO Alex Karp criticized short sellers, particularly targeting Michael Burry, who has taken a significant short position against the company, labeling their actions as unethical and "egregious" [1][4] - Despite reporting strong third-quarter results with a 63% revenue increase to nearly $1.2 billion, Palantir's share price fell over 9% in early trading following the news of Burry's short position [2][4] Company Performance - Palantir reported a 63% increase in revenue for the third quarter, reaching nearly $1.2 billion, outperforming Wall Street estimates [2] - The company's share price experienced a sharp decline, dropping more than 9% at its lowest point in early trading after the earnings report [2] Market Reactions - Karp expressed that the short-selling behavior is "crazy motivating" for the Palantir team, indicating a commitment to improving performance and countering negative market sentiment [3] - Burry's hedge fund, Scion Asset Management, purchased bearish put options on both Palantir and Nvidia, despite both companies showing rapid growth and issuing positive forecasts [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into allegations made by Viceroy Research LLC against Vedanta group firms, questioning the motives of foreign entities in Indian affairs [1][9]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The PIL was filed by lawyer Shakti Bhatia but was withdrawn after senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan indicated the intention to withdraw [1][9]. - The bench expressed skepticism about the credibility of foreign short-sellers and their influence on the Indian stock market, highlighting a systematic pattern of external agencies creating reports to destabilize local companies [1][7]. - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the petition lacked maintainability and emphasized that the highest court should not be misused for frivolous claims [7][9]. Group 2: Allegations and Investigations - Viceroy Research LLC, a US-based investigative financial research group, made allegations of financial irregularities against Vedanta Resources Limited and Hindustan Zinc Limited [8][9]. - Sankaranarayanan clarified that he does not endorse the allegations made by Viceroy but supports an investigation by SEBI and RBI to address any irregularities [2][5]. - The bench noted that the petition did not seek sweeping reliefs, contrasting it with the Adani-Hindenburg case where an expert panel was constituted [6][9].