In an article in the Wall Street Journal, Feb. 11, 2013, Matthew Heimer writes that ever since the Federal Reserve started pushing interest rates to new lows, it’s been a common theme for retirees and other conservative investors accepting more risk to get a decent income from their portfolios. Last week LPL Financial Holdings agreed […]

Financial regulators are confronting investor frauds that are giving retirement savers steep losses on complex products that until a few years ago were aimed only at the most sophisticated investors, writes Nathaniel Popper in a New York Times article from Feb. 11, 2013. These victims are among the millions of Americans whose mutual funds and […]

Crystallex has commenced a proceeding under chapter 15 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in order to ensure that relevant CCAA orders are enforced in the United States. Many stock brokers recommended CRYXF to their clients as an undervalued mining company that is poised […]

In an article, Feb. 7, 2013, in the New York Post, it was reported that (broker-dealer owner), Anastasios “Tommy” Belesis' firm, John Thomas Financial, is being investigated by the FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (FINRA). Mr. Belesis has made many media appearances on cable business/financial shows. […]

On Feb. 6th., 2013, LPL Financial, LLC, was ordered by Massachusetts Security Division to pay restitution of more than $2 million to investors who bought shares of nontraded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and a $500,000 administrative fine, which involved investors who bought shares of several different nontraded REITs in violation of state limitations, and […]

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. […]