SEC Acting Chairman Laura S. Unger Launches
Online Investor Survey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2001-41
Washington, D.C., May 3, 2001 – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Acting Chairman Laura S. Unger today announced the SEC's launch of a web-based survey to learn more about how investors are using electronic media, including the Internet, in making investment decisions.
The SEC survey will also explore investor knowledge and experience, investor expectations of brokerage firms, trading frequencies, and how investors analyze risk.
"As technology continues to transform the securities markets, I'm asking investors to share their experience and expectations with us," Chairman Unger said. "The survey results will give us valuable insights as we continue to develop programs and policies to help investors profit from technology while avoiding potential pitfalls."
Since joining the Commission in 1997, Chairman Unger has focused on the impact of technology on the securities industry and how the Commission can optimize the benefits of technology for capital markets and investors.
The survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, will be available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov until July 1, 2001. The survey will also be available on the websites of more than a dozen leading government, investor education, and financial services industry organizations to ensure the survey's widest possible distribution among investors.
The SEC retained InfoQUEST, an independent research firm, to conduct the survey and to tabulate the responses for SEC analysis. Information from investors will be strictly confidential and anonymous, and will not be used for any other purpose. Investors will not be asked to provide their names, addresses or any brokerage account information.
Investors who want to fill out a paper copy of the survey can request one by calling the SEC toll-free at 1-800-732-0330.
The SEC will issue a report on the survey's findings.
http://www.sec.gov/news/headlines/websurvey.htm
