Bans on short sales, of naked shorting, and variations thereof were the order of the day in the second half of September as countries around the world attempted to stop stock markets falling.
US The SEC bans naked short selling on September 17, banning short sales of 799 financials stocks two days later for an initial 10 days.
UK The Financial Services Authority bans short selling of publicly traded financial companies until January 16 2009, with a review after 30 days.
Russia temporarily bans short selling and then lifts the ban on September 26.
Germany’s financial authorities suspend short selling of 11 financial services firms.
France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers warns anyone selling shares in France that they must deliver the stock within three days and says it will ban shorting if necessary.
Canada bans short selling of 13 securities issued by financial companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange and on a US exchange.
Australia The Australian Securities and Investments Commission bans naked short selling, and short selling on all listed shares in Australia for 30 days, then two days later lightens the strict regulation.
The Netherlands: The Dutch finance minister bans naked short selling of stock in financial institutions for the next three months.
Taiwan’s regulator bans short selling of shares in 150 companies.
South Korea tightens regulations to ensure no naked shorting and increases costs for stock borrowing.
Ireland: The Irish regulator bans short selling in four Irish financial firms.
Switzerland: The Swiss Federal Bank Commission and SWX Swiss Exchange issue statements reminding investors about the illegality of naked shorting.
Portugal’s Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários prohibits short selling of eight financials stocks temporarily.