Mar. 2, 2025
My name is Patrick, and I am a retail investor who has held 2,500 shares of AMC for approximately two years. I am writing to express my concerns ahead of the SEC’s meeting on March 6th regarding the treatment of retail investors and the perceived lack of accountability for certain institutional practices. It is deeply troubling to see what appears to be a disproportionate focus on investigating and penalizing retail investors, such as Roaring Kitty, while major institutions like Citadel and Robinhood seem to operate with relative impunity. For example, the decision by Robinhood to remove the buy button during the meme stock events raised significant questions about market fairness and transparency. Additionally, the use of dark pools and the seemingly endless access to capital for shorting stocks on a daily basis create an environment where the odds appear heavily stacked against retail investors. Furthermore, the apparent lack of accountability for those engaging in questionable shorting practices is disheartening. When institutions make billions, yet face only minimal fines if any at all, it creates the perception that the SEC is either unwilling or unable to enforce regulations effectively. This situation undermines confidence in the markets and suggests a two-tiered system of justice: one for institutional players and another for everyday investors. Another concern is the suppression of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) system, which was designed to enhance market transparency and detect illegal activities. The decision to limit or silence this system appears to contradict the SEC’s stated mission of protecting investors and maintaining fair and orderly markets. Why has there been resistance to fully implementing the CAT system, and who truly benefits from keeping it suppressed? In short, the SEC’s credibility is at risk unless significant steps are taken to address these issues transparently and impartially. If the SEC were to take decisive action against those who blatantly manipulate the market, it would go a long way toward restoring confidence that the stock market is a level playing field for all participants. I appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to any insights or explanations the SEC can provide during the upcoming meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Patrick