RE: Why is the short total going up as the ex div date approaches?9 Feb 2024 12:23
As a shorter, you don't want a constant SP drop. You want to sell high, buy low. That's why now and again they pause and let the SP recover before smashing it again. DEC sporadic buybacks are a fantastic support for the shorters. If DEC bought daily, the shorts would give up and move on. Maybe DEC are happy with shorts, after all it keeps they BB purchase low as well.
What DEC board will not like is a shareholder revolt. Only then will they look after the SP.