CLAIRE JONES, CFA, IS AN ANALYST FOLLOWING NATURAL GAS COMPANIES I...

17. Claire Jones, CFA, is an analyst following natural gas companies in the United States. At an industry

energy conference, the chief financial officer of Alpine Energy states that the company is interested

in making strategic acquisitions. At a separate event, Alpine's head of exploration commented that

he is bullish on natural gas production prospects within northeastern Pennsylvania. Jones is aware

that Alpine currently has very little exposure to this region. She also knows another company in her

universe, Pure Energy, Inc. is based in northeastern Pennsylvania and controls significant assets in

the area. Pure Energy is highly leveraged, and Jones believes it will need to raise additional capital

or partner with another firm to move to the production phase with their assets. Jones attempts to

contact Alpine's chief executive officer with an unrelated question and is told he is unavailable

because he is on a business trip to northeastern Pennsylvania. Jones updates her research on Pure

Energy and then recommends the stock to Lisa Wong, CFA, a portfolio manager, who purchases

significant positions in client accounts. The following week, Pure Energy announces it has entered

into an agreement to be purchased by Alpine for a significant premium. Has either Jones or Wong

most likely violated standards with regard to the integrity of capital markets?

A. No

B. Yes, both Jones and Wong have acted on insider information

C. Yes, Jones' recommendation is based on insider information