Short and distort is the mirror image of a pump and dump: taking a short position and then spreading false or misleading negative claims to drive the price down. Honest negative research is not short and distort, and the distinction is the truth of the claims.
manipulation techniques · updated 2026-09-08
Where does short and distort come up?
This term is used in the following manipulation techniques, each explained in full on
its own page.
Short and distort— Short and distort is taking a short position and then publishing false or materially misleading negative claims about the issuer, in order to drive the price down and cover cheaply.
See also
Short selling— Short selling is selling borrowed securities in the expectation of buying them back cheaper. It is lawful, it improves price disco…
Pump and dump— A pump and dump is a scheme in which shares are accumulated cheaply, promoted with misleading enthusiasm to drive the price up, an…