Ban investors from selling short, at least temporarily. This could be Europe's next move against the financial speculation that has been eroding the stock markets of the Old Continent for weeks. According to the New York Times, the ban would come directly from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), would have a limited duration and could affect all shares or only those in the financial sector. In short, the bare minimum to calm things down. "We are discussing with the national authorities - said Victoria Powell, spokesperson for the Authority - and we will decide together if coordinated action is needed".
The last wave of bans in this sense dates back to 2008. Even then we were in the midst of the financial storm and various powers from all over the world, including Great Britain and the United States, stopped the most widespread speculative practices. A few days ago, Greece banned short selling for two months on all shares. South Korea did the same, but for three months. Turkey, where the main stock index has lost 20 percent in the past month, is also considering a similar move.
