The stocks hedge funds are betting the most against going into March

As the market continued to soar this month, hedge funds are betting against a handful of health-care and auto stocks. The three major averages are about to end February with notable gains, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite leading the major indexes with a 5.8% advance. The S & P 500 is up 5% this month, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has advanced 2% and is on pace for its first four-month winning streak since May 2021. But pockets of doubt still exist, particularly as some investors question how long the artificial intelligence-fueled rally of tech stocks can really last. CNBC Pro used FactSet data to look for stocks trading on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Exchange with the most short interest as of Feb. 15. Each of the stocks has a market capitalization of at least $100 million and short interest representing at least 25% of their float, or the number of outstanding shares that are available to be traded. Here are some of the names of these heavily shorted stocks: Some health-care stocks saw a sizable increase in short interest. Short interest increased 5.3% for vaccine maker Novavax during the first half of February, accounting for nearly half the company’s free float of shares. Shares gained more than 12% on Thursday, rebounding a day after they fell on disappointing fourth-quarter results . The pharmaceutical company had also said it expects full-year 2024 sales to come in flat or lower compared to last year, particularly as the demand for Covid products continues to slow and more individuals get vaccinations in retail pharmacies. Biomea Fusion saw short interest increase about 19% to 11.8 million shares, or about 43% of float. Analysts remain upbeat, even as hedge funds are betting against the stock. Truist initiated coverage of Biomea in early February, citing its potential as a successful therapy in a multibillion-dollar global diabetes market. The firm assigned a $55 price target, which indicates roughly 197% upside from Wednesday’s close. Traders also mounted significant bets against retailers Children’s Place , Revolve Group and newly public company Birkenstock . Children’s Place saw short interest increase more than 200% during the first half of February. On Thursday, the children’s apparel retailer announced it reached a new agreement with Saudi family investment firm and major shareholder Mithaq Capital for $78.6 million of interest-free unsecured new financing , as well as the appointment of four new directors to its board. Shares are down nearly 16% year to date. Sandal company Birkenstock, which beat expectations and reported a 22% year-on-year revenue jump on Thursday, saw short interest increase 2.4%, accounting for 6.6 million shares or nearly 27% of its float. Other short bets include electric vehicle manufacturers Fisker and Lucid Group , as well as used-car dealer Carvana .