The solution for question 45 seems odd and wrong. The right answer indicated in the solutions is A, but I feel that the right answer is C. Anybody feel this way too?
The except of the vignette is produced below. It says that Acertado uses evidence of rumored offers in developing sell recommendations on various corporations’ bonds. Doesn’t that imply that he intended to act on any material non-public information in the blogs to base his research recommendations on, which would be a violation of Standard II (A)?
The relevant segment of the vignette is:
“Acertado soon begins searching the internet for information on companies that the model predicts have more than a 60% probability of an LBO offer. He scours blogs and company websites looking for signs of a potential offer. He uses evidence of rumored offers in developing sell recommendations on various corporations’ bonds.”
Question 45:
When searching blogs, does Acertado violate any CFA Institute Standards?
A No.
B Yes, because he misuses company resources.
C Yes, because he seeks inside information on the blogs.