bdown2earth,

You said,

"but why does shorting exist?, why is it allowed by the different stock commissions?

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Because that is the way the brokerage houses, brokers and funds want it to be.  This is how they steel from small retail investors.  They carry far more clout with the rule makers than we do.

I have posted on these stock forums several times over the years, my opinion, that shorting should not be allowed.  There is no need for it to exist.  Its only purpose is to take advantage of other investors.  Anyone who tells you otherwise, is, or wants to be, a shorter.

The only way to beat them is to invest only funds that you can afford to sit on as long as it takes, and of course pick a winner like Noront.

Good luck to you.................Regards, Canseco