No worries Koala, it is possible there are time frame agreements...

No worries Koala, it is possible there are time frame agreements in place (there’s nothing to stop individual agreements) but generally it’s open.

I’m not sure if shares can be called back - that seems very unlikely as that would put the borrower in a very difficult position and huge disadvantage. I doubt anyone would borrow shares to short if there was a risk of a call to cover before the shorter had the opportunity to buy back lower but I’m not an expert in that area.

Honestly I don’t think SS cares much about selling for profit when they can get the short fees as a cash flow guaranteed income. Given they also know before the rest of us when their short customers are closing positions they are able to time any sales to their advantage. Market rigging you ask? You bet!