It's a sue-happy world

“Investors won some 45 percent of the cases decided this year through August, up from 37 percent in 2007, according to Finra. For claims under $1 million — the bulk of the total — winning investors are typically getting about half the amount they seek, says Richard Ryder, editor of the Securities Arbitration Commentator. “Suitability” claims, which revolve around the broker’s responsibility to the customers to learn their objectives and recommend suitable investments, have predominated in this year’s filings, Mr. Ryder says.”