The Greek financial regulator, the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, has banned the short selling of shares listed on the Athens Exchange. The ban is effective immediately and will remain in force until 28 June 2010.
Greece will need to repay around 8.5 billion of maturing bonds on 19 May. Unfortunately the Greek finance minister said on 27 April that borrowing was no longer a viable option.
The IMF has pledged 10 billion to the Greek bailout. EU finance ministers are meeting on 10 May to discuss a rescue package for the beleaguered state.