Reference no: EM132939141

You are an equity analyst of Integrity Investment Firm ("IIF"). You just finished a research on ABC Co and have decided on a "Sell" recommendation on ABC Co as you believe a few recent strategic decision made by the management will be detrimental to the company's performance.

You are aware that many of IIF's clients holds investments in ABC Co and would be negatively impacted by your update of recommendation. So, you are concern with how to disseminate your report to IIF's clients as soon as possible. Just before issuing your report, you had a private conversation with the CEO of ABC Co who told you in confidence some additional news with the company which further supported your view that ABC Co would not be performing well in the near future. The CEO further asked you keep the information private and to give positive commentary on the company in your next report.

Problem 1: Which ethical principle is most applicable in this situation? and What is your most appropriate next step?

Select one:

a. Material non-public information; Share the information and your "sell" recommendation with the portfolio managers at IIF to protect clients' interests
b. Fair dealing; Share the information and your "sell" recommendation with the portfolio managers at IIF to protect clients' interests and the integrity of the capital market
c. Material non-public information; Not share the information disclosed by the CEO or your "sell" recommendation with the portfolio managers at IIF
d. Fair dealing; Share the information and your "sell" recommendation with the portfolio managers at IIF only after you conduct more research
e. Diligence and reasonable basis; Share the information and your "sell" recommendation with the portfolio managers at IIF only after you conduct more research