Securities Regulation -- 2019



First Solar, Inc. v. Mineworkers' Pension Scheme   (U.S. Supreme Court)

Loss causation proof in private securities actions

The NAM filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court urging it to review a case on securities losses from alleged fraud. The lower court’s ruling set forth a broad loss-causation standard under which there is no need to establish that any alleged fraud was ever disclosed to the market, which directly conflicts with other decisions that have required a plaintiff show that the market became aware of the existence of fraud or, at least, of the facts that the defendant allegedly misrepresented. Courts should require proof that an act or omission of the defendant caused the loss for which the plaintiff seeks to recover damages. If successful, this argument could lead to even more federal securities class actions. The NAM’s brief explains why the law and precedent does not support this theory of liability and highlights the need to promote fair markets that support capital for business growth. On June 24, 2019, the Court denied certiorari.


Related Documents:
NAM brief  (September 5, 2018)