Define: Market Manipulation

Market Manipulation
Market Manipulation
Quick Summary of Market Manipulation

Market manipulation occurs when an individual attempts to create the illusion of high buying or selling activity for a stock, with the intention of influencing its price. Such behaviour is deemed illegal and violates the regulations set forth by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. It can be likened to cheating in a game and has the potential to harm other investors in the stock market.

Full Definition Of Market Manipulation

Market manipulation refers to the illegal act of artificially manipulating the price of a security by creating the appearance of active trading. Its purpose is to deceive investors and generate profits. For instance, a group of investors may collude to purchase a significant number of shares of a specific stock, causing the price to rise. They can then sell their shares at the inflated price, making a profit while causing losses for other investors. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits market manipulation, making it illegal to engage in any activity that deceives investors or manipulates the market. This legislation aims to safeguard investors and ensure fair and transparent operation of the stock market.

Market Manipulation FAQ'S

Market manipulation refers to any activity that intentionally distorts the normal functioning of financial markets, with the aim of creating an artificial price or volume movement in a particular security or market.

Yes, market manipulation is illegal in most jurisdictions, including the United States. It is considered a violation of securities laws and regulations.

Common forms of market manipulation include insider trading, pump and dump schemes, spoofing, front-running, and cornering the market.

Insider trading occurs when someone with non-public information about a company trades its securities based on that information. It is considered illegal because it gives the trader an unfair advantage over other investors.

A pump and dump scheme involves artificially inflating the price of a security through false or misleading statements, and then selling it at the inflated price to make a profit. This leaves other investors with losses when the price eventually collapses.

Spoofing involves placing large orders to buy or sell a security with the intention of canceling them before they are executed. This creates a false impression of supply or demand, which can manipulate the market price.

Front-running occurs when a broker or trader executes orders on a security for their own account, based on advance knowledge of pending orders from their clients. This allows them to profit from the price movement caused by the client’s order.

Cornering the market refers to the act of acquiring a significant amount of a particular security or commodity with the intention of controlling its supply and manipulating its price.

Penalties for market manipulation can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense. They can include fines, imprisonment, disgorgement of profits, and civil penalties.

Individuals can protect themselves from market manipulation by staying informed about the securities they invest in, conducting thorough research, diversifying their investments, and being cautious of any suspicious or too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities. Additionally, reporting any suspected market manipulation to the appropriate regulatory authorities can help maintain market integrity.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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