While our results may fluctuate and affected by the macro environment and many other factors, we are currently working towards adjusted EBITDA breakeven for Shopee overall by the end of 2023.
Last but not least, it goes without saying that we are very focused on our cash position. As at the end of the third quarter, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments was $7.3 billion, representing a net reduction of $485 million from the end of the second quarter. We aim to continue to maintain a net cash position after budgeting for the full retirement in cash of the outstanding convertible bonds and assuming no external funding.
E-commerce adjusted EBITDA stands positive for the first time in the fourth quarter at $196 million. The improvements were mainly from more targeted investments in our sales and marketing spending, deepened monetization and other optimization of cost structure.