How long does it typically take to bring short interest to 0%?

The concept of short interest refers to the total number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. The time it takes to bring short interest to 0% can vary widely based on market conditions, available liquidity, and investor behavior, making it difficult to pin down a specific timeframe. However, the answer stating that it typically takes 1-2 days reflects an understanding of the rapid nature of trading in some scenarios.

In fast-moving markets, particularly in highly liquid stocks, covering short positions can happen quickly as traders react to market information or changes in sentiment. Thus, in optimal conditions, short sellers may cover their positions within a day or two, especially if there is a catalyst that prompts a rapid change in price or sentiment towards the stock.

This timeframe is notably longer in cases where the stock is illiquid or if there are external pressures such as regulatory issues or negative reports affecting investor behavior. Therefore, while a 1-2 day period is a reasonable estimate under favorable conditions, it's important to acknowledge that real-world situations can introduce variability, which aligns with the understanding that the exact time frame to reduce short interest to 0% is not easily quantifiable across all stocks.