"... The process generally relies on the fact that securities are fungible, so that the securities returned do not need to be the same securities as were originally borrowed, and on the fact that there is a ready supply of securities to be borrowed from pension funds, mutual funds and other investors. ... A short seller typically borrows from his broker, who is usually holding the securities for another investor who is holding the securities long; the broker itself seldom actually purchases the securities to lend to the short seller. [1] ..."
Brokers lend your securities, my securities, securities from pension funds, mutual funds etc ... for a fee so shorters can take profit.
Think about the securities owned by pension funds being lent by brokers to shorters. No wonder we hear stories about old grandpas having to go back to work because their super have gone down the drain.
BLY Price at posting:
23.8¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held