The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RUSTLERS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result RUSTLERS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "People who make a living as stock-takers?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case people who make a living as stock-takers? = rustlers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RUSTLERS mean?
RUSTLERS noun- One who rustles; a cattle (or other livestock) thief.
- A bovine animal that can care for itself in any circumstances.
- (Western US) An alert, energetic, driving person.
- That which makes a rustling noise.