Smith, a research analyst with a brokerage firm, decides to change his recommendation on the common stock of Green company, Inc., from a buy to a sell. He mails this change in investment advice to all the firm’s clients on Wednesday. The day after the mailing, a client calls with a buy for 500 shares of Green Company.

Smith, a research analyst with a brokerage firm, decides to change his recommendation on the common stock of Green company, Inc., from a buy to a sell. He mails this change in investment advice to all the firm’s clients on Wednesday. The day after the mailing, a client calls with a buy for 500 shares of Green Company.

In this circumstance, Smith should:
A . accept the order.
B . advise the customer of the change in recommendation before accepting the order.
C . not accept the order because it is contrary to the firm’s recommendation.
D . not accept the order until five days have elapsed after the communication of the change in recommendation.

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

Under Standard IV (B.3), investment recommendations must be disseminated to all clients at the same time, so that all clients are treated fairly. The client’s request is contrary to Smith’s latest recommendation which he has not yet received. Smith must now make sure that the client receives the changed recommendation. If the client still wants to place a buy order for the shares, only then is Smith obligated to comply with the client’s directive.