The following are Oil & Gas/Alternative Energy Offerings that Mick & Associates conducted due diligence on before a broker-dealer, registered representatives, or a registered investment advisor was able to sell the fund to the public. Adwar Drilling Fund I, LP Atlas Resources Series 32-2012 Bradford Drilling Associates XXXII Bryan Limited Partnership #33 Catalyst Energy 2012-1, […]

The following are Equipment Leasing/Income/Equity Funds that Mick & Associates conducted due diligence on before a broker-dealer, registered representatives, or a registered investment advisor was able to sell the fund to the public. Aequitas Commercial Finance - Secured Subordinated Promissory Notes Aequitas Income Protection Fund, LLC Atel 15, LLC Commonwealth Income & Growth Fund Commonwealth […]

In a FINRA NTM 13-07 posted last Thursday on its website, FINRA asked for comment on an updated proposal that would keep the 5% guideline in place. The action follows complaints about an earlier proposal to eliminate the 5% rule for markups and markdowns. In other words, any FINRA broker/dealer can make up to 5% […]

Those investors who believed they had constructed a “conservative” portfolio by being heavily invested in bonds could be reclassified as “aggressive." Some also believe the move may be an attempt by the firm to lessen its liability in the event clients who are holding large positions in bonds decide to take legal action against UBS. […]

There are many real estate investors attracted to Tenant-In-Common (TICs) for the purported tax savings through the like kind exchange provisions in the IRS code Section 1031, which allows for the investor a deferral of capital gains. Up until 2013, the capital gains rate was only 15%. Investors need to calculate the net amount of […]

Tenant in Common (TIC) investments, or 1031 exchanges, are a form of real estate ownership in which multiple investors own fractional interests in a property. Many brokers and brokerage firms sold billions of these products to investors across the country allegedly charging high fees, and doing little or no due diligence. They were investments with […]

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc., also known as FINRA, is proposing to tighten its definition of “public” arbitrator. FINRA would like to exclude people associated with a mutual fund or hedge fund from its pool of public arbitrators and require others to wait for two years after ending an industry affiliation before being classified […]

With the stock market crash of 2008-2009 there has been an onslaught of investors filing lawsuits against their stock brokers and brokerage firms for providing them with unsuitable advice. There is a direct inverse correlation with stock index averages and new case filings. In other words, in a down market more cases are filed. Many […]

Reverse convertibles, are often called "trigger notes," "phoenixes," or "auto-callables." These structured products promised high yields of 6% to 12% or more, but trigger a conversion to Apple common stock if the price falls, usually on average 15% to 20%. With Apple down more than 25% from its high of last fall in 2012, many […]