AGGIOTAGGIO. – Speculation consisting in publishing or otherwise disseminating false, exaggerated, or tendentious news, or in employing other artifices designed to bring about an increase or decrease in the price of goods or securities listed on stock exchanges or traded on the public market. In many legal systems, a. is considered a crime (for Italy, see Penal Code, arts. 267 and 501).
A., as is obvious, is always immoral. Those who resort to it violate commutative justice to the extent of the actual harm they inflict on others; and to that extent they are bound to make restitution.
When it is very difficult or impossible to identify the victims—which occurs when a. assumes considerable proportions—according to common sentiment, the sums unduly gained should be employed for charitable works. (See BORSA).