insider trading

IN-sy-der TRAYD-ing /ˈɪnsaɪdər ˈtreɪdɪŋ/
noun phraseC1GREGMAT
formallegalbusiness

The illegal practice of trading on the stock exchange to one's own advantage through having access to confidential information about a company.

This crime involves exploiting privileged, non-public information to make personal financial gains in the stock market. It undermines market fairness and investor confidence, as it gives an unfair advantage to those with 'inside' knowledge.

The story behind the word. The term 'insider trading' is a straightforward combination of 'insider' (someone with special knowledge or access within an organization) and 'trading' (buying and selling stocks). While the concept of using privileged information for gain is ancient, the specific legal term and its regulation became prominent in the 20th century, particularly after the establishment of securities laws aimed at ensuring fair and transparent markets.

Word relationships

  • fair trading: Trading based on publicly available information and equal access.

Collocations

  • allegations of insider trading
  • prosecute for insider trading
  • insider trading scandal

Example sentences

  • "The CEO was convicted of insider trading after it was proven he sold his shares just before the company announced its disastrous quarterly earnings." Reporting on a financial scandal.
  • "Strict regulations are in place to prevent insider trading and ensure a level playing field for all investors." Discussing market ethics.

Memory hook

INSIDER TRADING is when someone on the 'INSIDE' of a company uses secret info to 'TRADE' stocks unfairly. Inside secret trade

When not to use

Do not use 'insider trading' for legal trading by company insiders (e.g., executives buying shares) if that trading is disclosed and follows regulations. The 'illegal' aspect is key.

Fun facts

  • Martha Stewart, the American businesswoman, was famously convicted of obstruction of justice and making false statements related to an insider trading investigation, though not directly for insider trading itself.

Related words

collusion, illicit

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