"morality" exercise: Guidance for Standards I–VII

B is correct because Kato exaggerated the potential for negative price movement with rare earth metals and violated Standard II(B)–Market Manipulation by aiming to profit on the volatility created by his actions. Standard II(B) requires that members and candidates uphold market integrity by prohibiting market manipulation. Market manipulation includes the dissemination of false or misleading information and transactions that deceive or would be likely to mislead market participants by distorting the price-setting mechanism of financial instruments. Standard IV(B)–Additional Compensation Arrangements was violated when he sold his report to the internet site. Standard  VI(B)–Priority of Transactions has not been violated as it relates to investment transactions for clients and employers having priority over Member or Candidate transactions. 

A is incorrect because Kato exaggerated the potential for negative price movement with rare earth metals and violated Standard II(B)–Market Manipulation by aiming to profit on the volatility created by his actions. Standard II(B) requires that members and candidates uphold market integrity by prohibiting market manipulation. Market manipulation includes the dissemination of false or misleading information and transactions that deceive or would be likely to mislead market participants by distorting the price-setting mechanism of financial instruments. 

C is incorrect because Standard IV(B)–Additional Compensation Arrangements was violated when he sold his report to the internet site

C is correct because research can still be considered diligent and having a reasonable basis if done using a “top down” research methodology as opposed to a “bottom up” methodology. By not communicating to prospective clients the change in the investment process through the delay in the creation of new marketing material, however, Cherogony violates Standard V(B)–Communication with Clients, which requires members and candidates to disclose to clients and prospective clients the basic format and general principles of the investment processes they use to analyze investments, select securities, and construct portfolios and must promptly disclose any changes that might materially affect those processes. As a supervisor, Cherogony is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code and Standards. 

 A is incorrect because by delaying the change in the marketing material until the inventory is depleted, there is a possibility that the new investment process policy will not be clearly communicated to prospective clients. As a supervisor, Cherogony is responsible to ensure the compliance with the Code and Standards. 

B is incorrect because Cherogony violates Standard V, which requires members and candidates to disclose to clients and prospective clients the basic format and general principles of the investment processes they use to analyze investments, select securities, and construct portfolios and must promptly disclose any changes that might materially affect those processes. By delaying the change in the marketing material until the inventory is depleted, there is a possibility that the new investment process policy will not be clearly communicated to prospective clients.