Regulators around the world yesterday announced further plans to curb short selling as market watchdogs introduced more stringent measures and widened the terms of their clampdowns.

Japan said it was not considering tightening rules on short selling, but regulators in South Korea said they were considering stricter rules while Taiwan introduced a temporary ban on short selling in 150 stocks. In Spain, short sellers will now have to disclose positions in a list of financial stocks.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission added to the 800-strong list of those protected from shorting, and more companies are expected to be added in the coming days while those already included could choose to opt out of the list.

The moves were the latest in a series of measures taken by regulators following the market turmoil of last week, when the stocks of leading banks plunged, prompting accusations of abuse by short sellers who aim to profit from falling prices.

Financial Times