XpresSpa Group Inc (XSPA)

[mshanley]

You can't own the same security both long and short in the same account, nor is it advisable. Think it out. If you own the common long and the common short...assuming equal number of shares, if the stock increases in value, you've gained the same amount on your long position that you lost on your short position. Effectively a zero sum game. If you don't have equal number of shares, the share amount that is equal is effective "0" and the larger position would be "your" position whether long or short. So you'd essentially be long or short based on the larger position. If your going to hedge your position, you're better off doing it through options because of theta or the time decay factor. What you described just isn't useful or effective because in essence you haven't taking a position at all.