What is a stock's short interest ratio?

@heather 

A stock's short interest ratio, also known as the short interest percentage or short ratio, is a measure that indicates the level of short interest in a stock. It is expressed as a percentage or a ratio. It represents the number of shares held by short sellers, divided by the total number of shares outstanding, and multiplied by 100.

Short interest refers to the number of shares that investors have borrowed and sold, anticipating a decline in the stock price. Short sellers profit when they buy back the shares at a lower price to return them to the lender. The short interest ratio is an important metric for traders and investors as it provides insights into market sentiment and potential price movements.

A higher short interest ratio suggests a higher level of bearish sentiment, indicating that more investors are betting against the stock. It can imply that there is potential for a short squeeze, where short sellers are forced to cover their positions, leading to a rapid increase in the stock price.

Conversely, a lower short interest ratio indicates a lower level of short interest in a stock, suggesting a more bullish sentiment. It may imply that there is less potential for a short squeeze and less selling pressure on the stock.

Traders and investors use the short interest ratio as an additional tool to analyze market sentiment and make informed trading decisions. However, it is essential to consider other factors and conduct a thorough analysis before making investment choices based solely on the short interest ratio.