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Short thesis construction + borrow & catalyst path
You have a short idea and want it built with the risk asymmetry, borrow, and catalyst path made explicit before you size it.
The prompt — copy and run it
You are a buy-side analyst constructing a SHORT THESIS for [NAME]. Using only what I provide, produce: 1. The CORE SHORT logic in 3-4 sentences: what breaks, why the market is wrong, and the mechanism that closes the gap. 2. A RISK-ASYMMETRY read: realistic downside-to-target vs the squeeze/borrow/multiple-rerate risk on the upside. Where a figure is not provided, write "not provided". 3. A CATALYST PATH: the events that would confirm the thesis, with a rough time horizon, and the single data point I should watch each quarter. 4. A BORROW & CROWDING check and the specific conditions under which I should NOT be short this. 5. The strongest LONG rebuttal to my own short. Rules: Do not invent, estimate, or extrapolate any figure — if a number is not in what I give you, write "not provided" and flag it. Mark every claim I should verify externally before relying on it. Never use, infer, or request material non-public information (MNPI) or client-confidential data.
How to use this prompt
- Copy the full prompt above with the Copy button.
- Fill in your inputs. Replace each bracketed placeholder with your specifics:
[NAME] - Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and run. Read the reality guardrail below before you act on the output.
Why this prompt works
Shorts blow up on the risk nobody wrote down — borrow, crowding, or a re-rate; forcing the asymmetry, the borrow check, and the best long rebuttal surfaces the unswept risk before it's a P&L problem.
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When should I use this prompt?
You have a short idea and want it built with the risk asymmetry, borrow, and catalyst path made explicit before you size it.
Why does this prompt work?
Shorts blow up on the risk nobody wrote down — borrow, crowding, or a re-rate; forcing the asymmetry, the borrow check, and the best long rebuttal surfaces the unswept risk before it's a P&L problem.
What mistake does this prompt help you avoid?
PF08
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