Short interest in Ares Management (ARES) and Blackstone (BX) has more than doubled looking back over the past year, with bearish positioning remaining elevated. Rising short interest ratios further highlight the magnitude of outstanding short exposure relative to trading liquidity.

Ares Management (ARES)

• Short interest has more than doubled to 14.7 million shares from 6.2 million shares in late 2025. Despite SI moderating from the summer peak, positioning remains elevated as the stock trades close to $125, down 31% over the past year.

• The 30-day and 90-day short interest ratios have risen from 2-3 previously to 6-7, currently. Elevated short interest ratios indicate that short exposure remains high relative to recent trading volume.

Blackstone (BX)

• Short interest increased from as low as 9.8 million shares to a summer peak of 26.5 million shares. Despite subsequent covering of ~5 million shares, short positioning remains more than twice its early 2026 level, as shares have retreated to $124, down 33% over the past year.

• The 30-day ratio stands at over 6 days, with the 90-day average over 4. The elevated ratios highlight persistent short exposure relative to the recent trading liquidity.

Takeaway

• The combination of sustained short interest accumulation, declining share prices, and rising short interest ratios suggests that bearish positioning remains firmly established in ARES and BX. The key signal is that short sellers have reduced some exposure from the peaks, without triggering a sustained price recovery. Continued weakness could reinforce bearish positioning, while a reversal in sentiment could generate meaningful covering demand given the increasing short interest ratios across both names.

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