Bears Pile In: Lucid, SoundHound Lead Short Surge

Short sellers are pressing harder on several high-profile names this week. Data as of July 17 shows notable moves across EV, AI, and fintech stocks.

LCID leads the charge. Lucid Group's short interest hit 38.1% of free float, up 2.4 percentage points in seven days. The cost to borrow stands at a punishing 229.7% APR. Availability is near zero — just 0.0004% of SI. Bears are paying heavily to stay short.

SOUN is another social media favourite under pressure. SoundHound AI sits at 41.6% SI % FF — one of the highest readings among named mid-caps. CTB is 14.1% and availability is effectively zero. Squeeze conditions are building.

DAVE jumped 2.8 points to 26.3% SI % FF over the week. The fintech lender has been buzzing on retail forums. Availability remains comfortable at 168%, so bears aren't squeezed yet.

VSTM also climbed 2.9 points to 32.4% SI % FF. The biotech's CTB remains low, suggesting no borrow shortage — just fresh bearish conviction.

On the news front, INTC announced fresh layoffs in its Data Center and AI unit ahead of earnings. Its SI % FF sits at just 2.7% — bears aren't heavy here yet. ACHR holds 17% SI % FF with minimal change, while IREN remains at 26.7%.

This is not financial advice.