Trading

Short-sellers ‘hung out to dry’ as EU mulls more scrutiny amid GameStop mania

Short-sellers are raising eyebrows at the latest proposal from a European regulator that would raise the hurdles for disclosures of bearish bets

The GameStop saga has prompted EU authorities to review short-selling rules
The GameStop saga has prompted EU authorities to review short-selling rules Photo: John Smith/Getty Images

Notable bears in European stock markets are casting doubt on a European regulator's latest proposal on short-selling disclosures following this year's GameStop saga.

EU short-sellers, who have to overcome more regulatory hurdles than their counterparts in other countries, must notify regulators of any short position making up 0.5% or more of a company’s stock. It comes after GameStop shares rocketed over 2,700% earlier this year following a campaign by retail investors to punish those who were short the US video games retailer. Investors caught on the wrong side of the trade, such as Melvin Capital, Point72 and Citron Research, lost millions on their short bets.

WSJ Logo