The law restricts only those w/a particular duty, from frontrunning those they have a duty towards. Not generally journalists. In fact, the whole area is quite fuzzy.
In any even, all legal issues are generally dispelled if the person discloses their personal interest in the stock. E.g. I have Intel, I don't have intel.
I generally get quite tired of how much people complain about any negative views expressed, especially if strongly or convincingly, w/respect to stocks they own. Tolerance to unfounded postive views is infinitely higher for no logical reason that I can discern.
Other of course than the self interest/ comfortable kidding of oneself that many longs may indulge in.
In my personal experience, when I have warned people out of a stock I have gotten out of (e.g. Asnd in low 50s, coms in mid 40s), Rmbs, etc. I get firstly huge hostility when calmly warning. And no thanks or recognition unless virtually forced (and then grudging) when right.
It is human nature one could anticipate, but the strength and one sidedness of the tendency is hard to overstate. Quite amazing, actually.
Personally, I love to hear well reasoned, as opposed to rumor mongering, etc. bearish discussion on stocks I own. Like to hear both sides.
Doug |
