This thread is a clear example of how little many retail...

This thread is a clear example of how little many retail investors understand shorting and short positions. Naked shorting is not allowed. BEOT has risk management and rules. Hedging by pro traders/investors is mandatory and so as a long position is built up, a hedge will also be increased. Retail traders can short a stock via options, warrants and these are naked short positions unless being used as a hedge against larger long positions. Some of the short positions shown on various sites are retail shorts. Most are hedged positions against larger long positions. As the price drops, if big money is buying, reported short positions should increase. As the price rises, if big money is selling, they will close short positions as they close the longs as the shorts are only a hedge. I dont agree that anyone should be able to LEND out their shares to others for any use. If this one practice was stopped, the manipulation of share prices lower for big money to gain sizable positions would be limited. Anyone without their shares in the market as a sell order may have their shares loaned. Some superann co's and retail market brokers do, some dont. Explicit, written consent is not needed.
The funds that lend out any shares are staffed by people that are looking for income and looking 'into the future' for returns on the investment in the co's and so the practice is easily justified. Also, overall, their targets are generally met - use other peoples money to make salary and X%+......