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TRADING
Although
Earl M. Foster Associates has relationships with several major brokerage
firms, the client must approve all brokerage arrangements. We believe
clients achieve better execution, service, and lower transaction costs from
the recommended brokers. While clients may direct the use of a specific
broker, volume discounts and best execution cannot be assured.
Brokerage
recommendations are based on transaction costs, execution capability, and
overall service to the client. Secondary consideration is given to
research. However, the Company does receive research and trading services
in exchange for commissions generated, including economic and financial
data, analysis of company and industry trends, electronic market
quotations, and portfolio modeling and asset allocation software.
Research
and services received are used for the benefit of all accounts. We do not
direct client transactions to a particular broker for the purpose of
obtaining products or research services.
Earl M. Foster Associates has a written
agreement whereby a fee is paid for
participation in a client referral service. This arrangement is disclosed
and acknowledged in writing by the client, and we comply with applicable
state laws and the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Clients introduced
through this service will not be charged fees or costs greater than any
other advisory client. Since the Company will likely execute transactions
for clients at the referring firm, a potential conflict of interest could
arise. Earl M. Foster Associates acknowledges its duty to select brokers on
the basis of best execution for its clients.
To provide
the most efficient executions for clients, trades are aggregated into
"blocks" from time to time. No account is favored over any other
and, when possible, each account participates in the aggregated order at
the average price.
All
transactions executed for Earl M. Foster Associates or its employees, or
for accounts where either have a beneficial interest, are segregated from
those of the clients and executed on a "last in" and "last
out" basis. Moreover, Earl M. Foster Associates does not buy
securities from nor sell securities to clients, receive any compensation as
broker for a security transaction, nor does it engage in any transactions
between clients.
It is the
Company's policy to forbid any trading for itself, its employees, or others
based on material nonpublic information. To ensure compliance with Company
policies and public laws, all employees must report their transactions to
the designated Compliance Officer.
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