1. The practice of selling something (esp. a ticket) at a price above face value once it becomes scarce (usu. just before a high-demand event begins).
2. The purchase of a security by an investment adviser before the adviser recommends that a customer buy the same security. • This practice is usu. considered unethical because the customer’s purchase will increase the security’s price, thus enabling the investment adviser to sell at a profit.
3. The excessive markup or markdown on a transaction by a market-maker. • This action violates National Association of Securities Dealers guidelines. — scalp, vb.
