The horned one was kind of wondering what ever happened to that whole Apple options thing since the SEC hadn't delivered its final word yet, causing apoplectic fits of hysteria in either the pro- or anti-Apple set.
Turns out it's just another fine job by your Department of Justice! Sleep easy, citizen!
Fortunately (or unfortunately), the SEC isn't waiting around for Elliot Mess to get its act together.
In some cases, the San Francisco [U.S. attorney's] office is moving so slowly that the Securities and Exchange Commission, which ordinarily files civil fraud cases in tandem with the DoJ, is said to be on the verge of going after violators without waiting for the DoJ. Chris Cox, the SEC chairman, said this week the agency "likely will increase the pace of announcements" in options cases.
Great!
Or, not!
Whew.
Hey, how 'bout that iPhone?!
[Disclosure: the Macalope holds an insignificant number of Apple shares.]