False JPMorgan Short Squeeze Narrative Collapses as Filings Reveal No MSTR Position

A viral claim accusing JPMorgan of shorting MicroStrategy (MSTR) unraveled after SEC filings exposed the narrative as baseless. The bank held no short position in the Bitcoin-linked stock, contrary to widespread speculation across financial social media. By November 25, the false rumor had already gained traction, overshadowing the actual story buried in regulatory documents.

JPMorgan's Q3 13F-HR filing revealed a 24.54% reduction in MSTR shares alongside options activity—call options on 202,200 shares ($65M) and put options covering 363,000 shares. The disclosure mechanism for short positions under Regulation SHO remained untriggered, with no Schedule 13D/G filings indicating substantial bearish bets.

The episode echoes meme-stock mania tactics but lacked factual foundation. Market participants overlooked the bank's decisive equity divestment while chasing phantom short squeeze potential. Regulatory transparency ultimately deflated the manufactured controversy.