Learning Markets and its affiliates are in the business of publishing financial information on LearningMarkets.com and various third-party sites and publications. We write articles and host exclusive live webinars and podcasts for brokers. We serve as executive editors for various online newsletter services.
We provide honest and forthright educational information about stocks and options to active investors throughout the world. We pride ourselves in our ability to always put investors first and to expose all manner of scams and inconsistencies in the financial world whether it’s things as common as target date funds and penny stocks or as obscure as the Iraqi Dinar scam. We have often been called upon by the press to help shed light on investing myths.
We try to balance such exposure with positive educational messages that help investors achieve their goals. We offer a series of educational videos on this page here.
We also host a community of investors here. The community is a great place for like-minded investors to share their investing ideas and to get feedback on those ideas.
But investing is not easy. Before you invest there are some things you should consider.
We encourage you to take time to learn about the basics of investing before committing or risking any capital. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority provides some great resources for investors here. Option traders can find additional information, education and help at the Option Industry Council’s website. Lastly, the Securities and Exchange Commission provides a large selection of educational resources for investors on this website here.
Some of the concepts, ideas and trades we discuss are advanced. If you are new to investing we strongly encourage you to take time to learn more about investing and to practice trading through any of the “virtual portfolio” applications widely available through most brokers today. We also encourage you to pay special attention to position sizing; never committing more of your portfolio in any individual trade than you can stand to lose.
In some cases we talk about individual stocks or options as a way of explaining an investing concept. The mention of these securities is intended for educational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any individual security.
In other cases we may discuss the purchase or sale of an individual stock or option as part of a paid newsletter service. We are not, however, acting as an investment adviser in this capacity. Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. § 80b-2(a)(11)) clearly defines what an “investment adviser” is and we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the concept. Specifically excluded from the definition of an investment adviser is “the publisher of bona fide newspaper, news magazine or business or financial publication of general and regular circulation.” What this means is that as long as we’re not providing advice based on an individual reader’s own circumstances then a newsletter is basically considered free speech.
All of the information provided by Learning Markets and its affiliates is of a general and regular nature and is never intended to be offered as individual investment advice.
However, Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77q(b)) prohibits any person from publishing anything which describes a security for a consideration received from an issuer, underwriter or dealer. We do not receive any such compensation. Furthermore, while we maintain our own “tracking portfolio” we never trade in advance of the publication — a process known as “front-running.” This assures that subscribers have the same as or better opportunities to enter a trade as we do in our tracking portfolios.
The SEC provides some great tips for investors for checking out newsletters. They also provide very helpful information to help investors avoid online fraud. We encourage all investors to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of fraud.
1. Disclaimers
The materials on Learning Markets, LLC’s web site are provided “as is.” Learning Markets, LLC makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, Learning Markets, LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.
The information contained in this web site is impersonal and does not provide individualized advice or recommendations for any specific user.
The commentary, analysis, opinions, advice and recommendations presented on this web site represent the personal and subjective views of the author and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on the Learning Markets web site shall be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities.
2. Risk Disclosure
Trading stocks, options, futures and foreign currencies carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work for as well as against you. Before deciding to invest in stocks, options, futures and foreign currencies you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with stocks, options and foreign currencies trading, and should consult with your own personal financial advisor and conduct your own research and due diligence, including carefully reviewing the prospectus and other public filings of the issuer, prior to making any investment decisions.
3. Limitations
In no event shall Learning Markets, LLC or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption,) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on Learning Markets, LLC’s web site, even if Learning Markets, LLC or a Learning Markets, LLC authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.
4. Revisions and Errata
The materials appearing on Learning Markets, LLC’s web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. Learning Markets, LLC does not warrant that any of the materials on its web site are accurate, complete, or current. Learning Markets, LLC may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. Learning Markets, LLC does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.