SPDR FTSE International Government Inflation-Protected Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:WIP - Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 155,701 shares, a growth of 122.2% from the February 12th total of 70,072 shares. Currently, 1.7% of the company's
WIP offers exposure to non-US inflation-linked government bonds, aiming to hedge against inflation outside the US for dollar-based investors. The ETF closely tracks its index, but the 0.50% expense ratio and management fees erode returns versus the benchmark. I question the utility for US retail investors since FX rates tend to offset inflation protection in foreign currencies over time.