Abstract

This comprehensive examination of short selling, which is a bet on stocks declining in value, explores the ways that this strategy drives financial markets. Its focus on short selling by region, its consideration of the history and regulations of short selling, and its mixture of industry and academic perspectives clarify the uses of short selling and dispel notions of its destructive implications. With contributions from around the world, this volume sheds new light on the ways short selling uncovers market forces and can yield profitable trades.

• Combines academic and professional research on short selling in all major financial markets
• Emphasizes details about strategies, implementations, regulation, and tax advantages
• Chapters provide summaries for readers who want up-to-date maps of subject landscapes

"The global financial crisis triggered a debate about pros and cons of trading practices such as short selling and required policy responses. This is precisely the theme of this work. It has been well chosen and exhaustively analyzed, making this book a mandatory reading for anybody with an interest or responsibilities in the microstructure of financial markets."

--Marco Rossi, Senior Economist, International Monetary Fund

"This book is a very timely and extremely useful guide to the subtle and often difficult issues involved in short selling - a subject that is more relevant than ever since the financial crisis. It is written by many experts and covers by its manyfold chapters all aspects of short selling from different international points of view. It will surely lead to many new insights."

--Carsten S. Wehn, Head of Risk Modelling, DekaBank, Germany

"Short selling so far has been an investment technique that was wildly misunderstood by politicians, academics and practitioners alike. This book with 39 chapters written by leading academics and practitioners represents the ultimate resource for everyone who wants to really understand the concept. The Handbook of Short Selling covers regulation and best practices in various countries, the effect of short-selling bans throughout the financial crisis, as well as the diversification benefits of the addition of short sellers to a traditional investment portfolio."

--Dieter Kaiser, Director of Investment Management, Feri Institutional Advisors GmbH

"Many people are discussing the role and the effects of short selling in the (current) financial crisis, but these experts contributing to the 'Handbook of Short Selling' really know what they are talking about. The Handbook is a must read for every participant in the capital markets."

--Christian Hoppe, Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt am Main

 "Short-selling is a prevalent feature of modern financial markets which has become hotly and controversially debated. The 'Handbook of Short-Selling' couldn’t be more timely. It provides an accessible and comprehensive treatment of the subject. It is a valuable reference for anyone interested in understanding the role of short-selling in the financial crisis of 2007-2009."

--José Manuel González-Páramo, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank