Curbs Out

"Curbs out" is a slang term used in investing to signify when trading curbs are no longer active. Trading curbs are temporary limitations or restrictions on securities trading. They can be applied to a single security or across multiple securities. A trading curb can also be called a circuit breaker. "Curbs out" means that trading restrictions are lifted so trading can occur as usual.

Trading curbs, or circuit breakers, are used to reduce the sudden movement of a security's price or multiple securities' prices. Movement that triggers a circuit breaker or trading curb can be sudden increases or decreases in the price. Sudden significant movements can occur within one particular security, or at times across multiple securities. Throwing a circuit breaker can break the momentum moving the price of a security in an attempt to curb volatility within the market. Individual markets can establish their own rules and guidelines for what degree of movement warrants triggering a circuit breaker or trading curb. 

In January 2016, market authorities in China put up trading curbs in an attempt to limit market volatility roiling the Chinese equity market. Circuit breakers were tripped two days in a row by volatile trading activity. After each time trades were halted, traders were allowed to start trading again when "curbs out" occurred and the curbs were lifted.