Market Flash on Blue Owl (OWL)

Borrowing activity in Blue Owl (OWL) surged after the firm announced changes to investor withdrawals, triggering a sharp selloff and a rapid rise in short demand.

EquiLend’s Real Time Data captured the shift today: more than 20 million new shares were borrowed before the market opened, and the total was up to 36 million by lunchtime, as short sellers moved quickly amid falling prices. Retail attention followed, with social mentions up 41% intraday and more than 2,500% above pre-announcement levels.

In the lead-up to the news, EquiLend’s Predicted Short Interest – a machine learning -derived view of current short exposure – signalled short positions building in Blue Owl, rising 15% week over week to 91 million shares.

While the catalyst was a withdrawal-policy change at a key private-credit fund, investor reaction treated it as a broader liquidity risk. The episode has intensified scrutiny of private credit, raising questions around redemption pressure and confidence, rather than credit losses alone.

Short sellers have flocked to the securities lending market to bet against Blue Owl since Thursday’s announcement; EquiLend’s data highlighted the building short interest.