A single firm sometimes arranges trades between customers and third parties for a commission, and at other times trades from its own inventory and charges a markup. This firm is best described as a:

a.Broker-dealer acting in both agency and principal capacities
b.Broker only, never a dealer
c.Dealer only, never a broker
d.Transfer agent

Explanation

A firm that acts as an agent (broker) on some trades and as a principal (dealer) on others is a broker-dealer. On any given trade it must disclose the capacity in which it acted, since that determines whether it charges a commission or a markup/markdown.

Law Reference: Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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