Manipulation of commodity futures prices is a violation of the Commodity Exchange Act (Act). In addition to market corners and squeezes, price manipulation can be accomplished through the dissemination of false or misleading market information. In this respect, section 9(a)(2) of the Act (7 USC 13(a)(2)) prohibits the dissemination of false or misleading or knowingly inaccurate reports that affect or tend to affect the prices of commodities. In order to facilitate the enforcement of this provision, Commission regulation 1.40 requires that members of an exchange and futures commission merchants (FCMs) provide upon request copies of any report published or given general circulation which concerns crop or market information that affects or tends to affect the price of any commodity.
US Code:
7 USC 13(a)(2)
Name of Law: Crop and Market Information Reports
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.