Rigging the Market: What You Need to Know About Market Manipulation

Definition & Meaning

Rigging the market refers to the illegal practice of manipulating the prices of securities to create a false impression of demand. This manipulation often involves artificially inflating stock prices through a series of bids, which can mislead unsuspecting investors into buying or selling based on misleading information. Such actions violate securities laws, specifically the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which prohibits practices that distort the true market value of securities.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, a trader might place a series of buy orders for a stock to inflate its price, encouraging other investors to buy in, which further drives up the price. This is a hypothetical example of market rigging.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Differences
Market Manipulation Any action taken to artificially affect the price of a security. Broader term that includes rigging the market.
Insider Trading Buying or selling securities based on non-public, material information. Focuses on information advantage rather than price manipulation.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you suspect that you may be involved in or affected by market rigging, it is crucial to seek legal advice promptly. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist in addressing your situation. Complex cases may require the expertise of a legal professional.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Penalties Fines, imprisonment, and civil penalties.
Jurisdiction Federal law, enforced by the SEC.
Legal Representation Recommended for serious allegations.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Market rigging involves manipulating stock prices to create a false impression of demand or activity.