definition of short selling


A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M
N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z   #


short selling
Profiting from an anticipated drop in the price of a commodity, financial instrument, or stock by (1) borrowing and selling it now, or by (2) selling a firm promise (as in a futures contract) to deliver it on a later date at the current (or a specified) price. In either case, the seller counts on buying the item at a cheaper price to return (with a fee) or deliver it. A short seller is considered a "bear" because the short seller is expecting the price to drop, so is selling something now to buy it back cheaper at a later date. Also called selling short.

see also
short seller









All Rights Reserved © 2005-2008 WallStreetGlossary.com