Short Covering

What does it Mean? Purchasing securities in order to close an open short position. This is done by buying the same type and number of securities that were sold short. Most often, traders cover their shorts whenever they speculate that the securities will rise. In order to make a profit, a short seller must cover the shorts by purchasing the security below the original selling price.

Also referred to as "buy to cover" or "buyback".
Investopedia Says... For example, suppose a trader has sold short 50 shares of ABC stock at a price of $10 per share because he speculated that ABC will not be successful in the near future. Unfortunately for the trader, the company has been very lucky recently and its price rises to $15 per share. In order to limit his losses, this trader decides to cover his short position by buying back the 50 short sold shares at a price of $15 per share.

Terms Related Links

Bear
Buy To Cover
Buyback
Days to Cover
Naked Shorting
Selling short
Short
Short Interest
Short Sale Rule
Short Squeeze

Terms Related Links
Short Selling: What Is Short Selling? - Short selling is done for two reasons: to hedge or to speculate. Learn more here.

The Short And Distort - Stock Manipulation In A Bear Market - This sinister version of short selling tries to profit by generating fear in the market place. Find out how you can help prevent "short and distort".

Trading Is Timing - Learn how to make gains even if you don't get in at the right time.




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