misleading investors

How can you tell if a CEO is lying? Stanford researchers have sifted through thousands of corporate conference-call transcripts to come up with some telltale signs that chief executives may be exaggerating their companies' prospects.

After accusing Citigroup of misleading investors to the tune of more than $50 billion, the Security and Exchange Commission's proposed settlement of $75 million raised more than a few eyebrows -- including those of a federal judge. Now the SEC defends its proposed fine.