Sometimes these numbers reach astounding levels, and the most recent data, as of April 27, lists several stocks with a short interest ratio of over 50.

FORBES: Don't Short These Oil Stocks

Over the years, I have found that even a short interest ratio as low as 5, when combined with a positive technical pattern, can set up a good trading opportunity.

FORBES: Don't Short These Oil Stocks

In utilizing the short interest data, one can look for a large percentage increase in the number of shares sold short, or the short interest ratio, which tells the number of trading days that would be needed to cover the short position.

FORBES: Don't Short These Oil Stocks

The stock has been a favorite target of some bears as the short-interest ratio was recently around 12.

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Johnson cites short interest in May of almost 23 million shares (out of a 208.6 million share float) for a short-interest ratio of 14.

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The stock has 36.80% short interest, with a high short ratio of 2.70.

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First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), with a short interest of 36.10% and short ratio of 2.5, has been on an extraordinary run in April after issuing revised guidance.

FORBES: First Solar Shows Textbook Short Squeeze In Effect

Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE:CLF) has short interest of 25.80% and a high short ratio of 2.3.

FORBES: First Solar Shows Textbook Short Squeeze In Effect

If you fear rising interest rates and prefer to keep your bond maturities short, the ratio of muni to Treasury yield is actually highest at the short end (140%-261% for one- to five- year triple-AAA paper).

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