Germany set to expand short-selling ban

The move is part of a national crackdown on financial-market speculation, which Berlin believes has gone unregulated for too long. Last Tuesday, Berlin surprised global markets by introducing the partial ban on naked short selling - the practice of selling securities such as shares and bonds are not owned or borrowed - of 10 financial stocks. A draft finance ministry document says measures aimed at stabilising financial markets would include a "ban on naked short selling of shares, including derivatives referring thereto." People briefed on the matter said the Government was now fo...