A customer calls and says: 'Buy 500 shares of XYZ for me today, but you pick the best time and price.' The representative has no written discretionary authority. Is this order permissible?

a.No, because choosing time and price always requires written discretion
b.Yes, because time and price alone are not considered discretionary when the customer specified the security, action, and amount
c.No, because all telephone orders are prohibited
d.Yes, but only if the customer later signs a margin agreement

Explanation

When the customer specifies the security, the action (buy/sell), and the number of shares, deciding only the time or price is a 'not-held' order and is not discretionary. Discretion over the security, action, or quantity would require prior written authorization.

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