When a corporation wishes to issue certain securities, it must provide sufficient information for an unsophisticated investor to evaluate the financial risk involved. Specifically, the law imposes liability for making a false statement or omission that is "material." What sort of information would an investor consider "material" pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934? Be sure to explain the Act and provide two recent case examples where material representation or omission amounted to securities fraud in violation of SEC Rule 10b-5.

When a corporation wishes to issue certain securities, it must provide sufficient information for an unsophisticated investor to evaluate the financial risk involved. Specifically, the law imposes liability for making a false statement or omission that is "material." What sort of information would an investor consider "material" pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934? Be sure to explain the Act and provide two recent case examples where material representation or omission amounted to securities fraud in violation of SEC Rule 10b-5.