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One of the world’s biggest pension funds just made a killing shorting stocks

The Canada Pension Plan is the 'only pension fund regularly disclosing shorts across Europe,' says Breakout Point

Canada's pension fund has a big short position in stocks including Virgin Galactic, shown here launching a suborbital test flight
Canada's pension fund has a big short position in stocks including Virgin Galactic, shown here launching a suborbital test flight Photo: Gene Blevins/Getty Images

One of the world’s largest pension funds is trying its hand at short-selling, and is making a killing in the process.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board disclosed big short positions in Virgin Galactic Holdings, the spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson, and bioplastics company Danimer Scientific. Since 18 January, the investment arm for Canada’s national pension plan increased its short position on both stocks to 2.2% and 1.9% of shares outstanding, respectively.

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