Appeals Court Throws Out Case Against Robinhood
Robinhood Markets has emerged victorious in a class action lawsuit filed against the company. The lawsuit stemmed from Robinhood’s decision to restrict trades on certain volatile stocks, which angered users unable to take advantage of price swings.
Background of the Lawsuit
- Robinhood faced backlash in January 2021 for placing restrictions on trades of “meme” stocks like GameStop and AMC Entertainment.
- 16 investors filed a lawsuit in September 2021, alleging that Robinhood prioritized its interests over users by preventing purchases of these stocks.
- The case was dismissed in lower courts, but the plaintiffs appealed.
Appeals Court Dismissal
The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has now dismissed the case, ruling 3-0 in favor of Robinhood. The court stated that Robinhood’s decision to restrict stock buying was legal, as outlined in its terms and conditions.
End of the Road for Litigation?
This dismissal may mark the end of this round of litigation against Robinhood. The investors could attempt to appeal to the US Supreme Court, but the chances of the court accepting the case are slim. The Supreme Court only hears a small fraction of the petitions it receives each year.
Robinhood’s Recovery
Despite the legal battle, Robinhood has rebounded from the meme stock frenzy. The company’s latest quarterly report shows an increase in net revenues and net interest revenue.
Hot Take
Robinhood’s victory in the class action lawsuit is a significant win for the company and may set a precedent for similar cases in the future. It also highlights the importance of carefully reviewing terms and conditions when using trading platforms.