Stock market manipulation through deceptive practices has been rampant of late.
The Fraud
Securities fraud brings to mind images of Gordon Gekko of movie fame or his real-life models, Ivan Boesky or Michael Milken--and more recently the merry band of Enron entrepreneurs. Inflating earnings, accelerating income, hiding liabilities off-balance-sheet, insider trading and a host of other devices have been inflicted on the public.
The Flaw
A blatant lack of regulation. What regulatory power existed with the SEC and CFTC has been watered down over the years in the name of "free market" economic theory.
The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 protected bank depositors from the additional risks associated with security transactions .... until it was dismantled in 1999.
The Fix
Since the securities industry has failed to regulate itself, intelligent restraints must be re-established and enforced to maintain stability and investor confidence.