Spain has banned short-selling of shares to try to limit price moves after markets fell sharply on fears the country may need a full bailout. Spain's market regulator blocked the practice for three months to try to restore order after sharp falls in bonds and shares. Italy has also banned short-selling of financial stocks for one week. Short-selling is a technique used by investors who think the price of an asset, such as shares, will fall. They borrow the asset from another investor and then sell it in the relevant market. The aim is to buy back the asset at a lower price and return it to its owner, making a profit along the way. In a statement, Spain's CNMV regulator said it is imposing the ban in order to maintain market order.Shares in Europe fell when trading got underway yesterday with Spain's main share index, the Ibex, down 5 per cent at one point. It recovered slightly to close down 1 per cent but Germany's Dax ended the day down 3 per cent. The US share markets opened with a downward jolt and the euro hit a new two-year low against the dollar