Tick-Test Rules
Restrictions on when a short sale may be executed. Tick-test rules dictate that a short sale can be made only in two situations:
1. When the price of the particular stock is higher than the last trade price (an uptick).
2. In a case where there is no change in the last trade price. The previous trade price must be higher than the trade price that preceded it (a zero uptick or zero plus tick)
Investopedia Commentary
This rule is intended to prevent investors from destabilizing the price of a stock when it's falling. Also known as the short sale rule.
Related Links
Short Selling Tutorial
See also: Naked Shorting, Short, Short Covering, Short Interest, Short Interest Ratio, Short Interest Theory, Short Sale Rule, Short Selling, Short Squeeze, Zero Plus Tick
Also spelled: Tick Test Rules