The SEC approved two proposals to alter trading curbs meant to curtail volatility in the U.S. stock market, according to a Bloomberg.com article.

A  limit-up/limit-down system that prevents trades at prices outside a specified band has been approved. The article stated that also the SEC has supported changes to broaden circuit breakers instituted after the 1987 market crash. Both programs will be implemented for a one year pilot period, to start next on February 4, 2013.

FINRA oversees more than 4,400 brokers and introduced the curbs for individual stocks in May 2010 and later asked for and received permission to test the limit-up/limit-down system.

If you or someone you know has lost money because of an investment that did not meet your needs or investment goals, or if a broker misrepresented an investment to you, please contact Richard Frankowski at 205-747-1903 to discuss your potential legal remedies.