Michael Burry Says He’s Tempted to Short SpaceX — But He’s Passing, For Now

Michael Burry, the investor who rose to fame for correctly predicting the 2008 housing market collapse, has revealed he considered betting against Elon Musk’s SpaceX — but ultimately decided against it. The admission, surfacing just as SpaceX moves toward a long-anticipated public listing, has quickly become one of the most talked-about lines in markets this week.

Why Burry’s Words Carry Weight

Few investors generate headlines the way Burry does. His reputation as a contrarian who isn’t afraid to bet against popular narratives means that even a passing comment about being “tempted” to short a company is enough to move conversation across trading desks and social media alike. The fact that he chose not to follow through only adds intrigue, leaving observers to speculate about what gave him pause.

The SpaceX Backdrop

The comments land at a notable moment for SpaceX, which has been the subject of growing market attention as talk of an eventual IPO continues to build. SpaceX has become one of the most closely watched private companies in the world, with a valuation that has climbed steadily on the back of its dominance in commercial launch services and its expanding satellite internet business.

A short bet against a company of SpaceX’s scale and momentum would be a high-risk, high-conviction move — exactly the kind of trade Burry has built his reputation on, which is part of why his decision to pass is drawing as much attention as the idea itself would have.

Reading Between the Lines

Without elaborating on his specific reasoning, Burry’s comment leaves room for interpretation. It could reflect genuine respect for SpaceX’s fundamentals and growth trajectory, or simply an acknowledgment that shorting a company with no current public listing — and significant insider control — is a structurally difficult trade to execute profitably.

The Takeaway

Whether or not Burry ever acts on the instinct, the episode is a reminder of how much weight markets still place on the views of investors with a track record of contrarian calls — even when, as in this case, the headline is really about a bet that didn’t happen.