What is the main function of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?

The primary function of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to regulate the securities industry and protect investors. This encompasses overseeing the securities markets and ensuring that market participants adhere to securities laws. The SEC's efforts are focused on maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, which is crucial for investor confidence and the stability of the financial system.

The SEC enforces laws against market manipulation and fraud, oversees the registration of securities, and requires public companies to disclose meaningful financial and other information to prevent fraud and to inform investors about their decisions. These regulatory roles are essential in fostering a transparent trading environment where investors can make informed choices.

In contrast, managing public education funding, tracking employment statistics, and enforcing taxation laws are functions outside the purview of the SEC and are typically the responsibilities of other governmental bodies or agencies. This delineation of responsibilities highlights the SEC's specific mandate within the broader regulatory framework of the financial markets.