copper prices holding firm to rising-$us3.6611, page-6

James
Unfortunately the discrepancy you point out is easily explained.
It is legal for fund managers to LEND stock, once stock is lent those shares can be sold on market. There is no requirement for those shares to be covered in 3 days (as you often mention). IMO fundies are doing their clients a dis-service by these actions, so on that we agree.

It is these figures that cause confusion. Borrowed shares may never be sold but they are reflected in the open interest.