Articles Tagged with stocks

The securities fraud attorneys at Malecki Law are interested in hearing from investors who have complaints against stockbroker Joseph A. Miles.  Mr. Miles is believed to be currently employed and registered with St. Bernard Financial Services, Inc. based in Russellville, Arkansas.  He was also previously registered with Clearing Services of America, Inc., American Capital Equities, Inc., Dominick & Dominick, Inc. and David Lerner Associates, Inc., according to industry records.

According to his BrokerCheck, as maintained by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Mr. Miles has been the subject of three recent customer complaints, including one complaint seeking $169,865.70 alleging that Mr. Miles sold bonds that declined in value, with damages granted of $100,000.  The second most recent customer complaint alleged securities fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, common law fraud, and breach of contract related to South African Bonds which was settled for $75,000, according to FINRA records.  The third complaint involved allegations of fraud, breach of contract and negligence and was settled after the death of the customer, per BrokerCheck records.

If you or a family member lost money that was invested with Joseph A. Miles, you are encouraged to contact the securities fraud lawyers at Malecki Law for a free consultation and case evaluation at (212) 943-1233.

The recent market correction has caused many people to worry about the performance of their securities accounts.  Senior-aged investors (and other conservative investors) are particularly at risk for losses in their accounts if they were inappropriately invested too heavily in equities and other alternative investments.

The Op-Ed published in the Wall Street Journal on August 24, 2015 notes that the low-yield bond environment has enticed some investors to “climb on the bandwagon of rising share prices.”  Brokers may be similarly tempted to recommend risky stocks to their conservative investors, and to recommend concentrated levels of stocks.  However, what may be suitable for a middle-aged investor may not be suitable for an senior-aged investor.

Suitability is an important investor-specific inquiry both the broker and broker-dealer must perform to ensure the investments that are recommended are appropriate given the age, relative wealth, experience and risk tolerance of each investor, among other factors.  A broker’s unsuitable recommendations could be especially problematic for those investors seeking stability and safety of principal, including senior-aged investors who rely on their securities portfolios to generate income.

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