Know the unit
The SEC files report aggregate fails for a security on a settlement date. They do not identify a specific person or explain every cause.
SEC MARKET DATA FIELD GUIDE · 2026
Fails-to-Deliver Data Guide
The Fails-to-Deliver Data Guide (SKU SML-MARKET-001, $19 one-time) teaches how to use official SEC FTD files as dated aggregate evidence: know the unit (aggregate balance per settlement date, never cumulative), avoid unsupported attribution, and preserve the source trail — built from SEC fails-to-deliver data and the Regulation SHO bulletin.
Learn how to read SEC fails-to-deliver data, understand settlement timing and avoid common overclaims about aggregate FTD files.
SML-MARKET-001$19 ONE TIMEINSTANT PDF DELIVERY
THE OUTCOME
How do you use FTD data without turning it into proof it cannot support?
Use official FTD files as dated aggregate evidence: know the unit, respect the settlement date, avoid unsupported attribution, and preserve the source trail with every chart or claim.
Use this guide to: Read SEC fails-to-deliver files while separating outstanding balances from new daily fails.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
What will you learn from this guide?
You will learn what the SEC FTD data contains, why the reported quantity is an aggregate balance for a settlement date rather than a running total, and how to keep a source trail with every chart or claim.
- What the SEC FTD data contains and how the files are structured
- Why the reported quantity is an aggregate balance for a settlement date
- How settlement timing and later delivery affect interpretation
- A disciplined workflow for checking claims against primary data
INSIDE THE GUIDE
What concepts and decision checks does the guide cover?
The guide covers practical decision checks: know the unit, respect the date, avoid unsupported attribution, and preserve the source trail.
Respect the date
A reported balance is tied to its settlement date and is not automatically cumulative across dates.
Avoid unsupported attribution
FTD data alone does not prove naked short selling, manipulation or a future squeeze.
Preserve the source trail
Keep the file period, settlement date, identifier and source URL with every chart or claim.
PRIMARY SOURCES
What sources is the guide built on?
The guide is built on SEC fails-to-deliver data and the SEC Regulation SHO investor bulletin linked below — with source notes inside the PDF itself.
SEC fails-to-deliver data →SEC Regulation SHO investor bulletin →FAQ
What should buyers know before purchasing?
SEC FTD quantities are not cumulative, FTD data alone proves no illegal activity, and the guide includes no live data — it explains how to obtain and interpret official files, with the SEC source authoritative.
Are SEC FTD quantities cumulative?
No. The SEC explains that the figure is an aggregate balance as of a settlement date, not a running total to add across dates.
Do FTDs prove illegal activity?
No. Fails can occur for multiple reasons, and the aggregate file alone does not establish intent or legality.
Does this guide include live data?
No. It explains how to obtain and interpret official files; the SEC source remains authoritative.
How do you get the PDF?
One-time purchase. Stripe Checkout redirects to the purchased PDF after successful payment.
Buy Fails-to-Deliver Data Guide — $19Educational information only. No personalized investment, legal, tax, regulatory, cybersecurity or business advice. No ranking, citation, performance or financial outcome is guaranteed.
What is included in this PDF?
4 pages in a fixed-layout PDF: Settlement dates, outstanding balances and SEC data limitations. This is a compact field guide with review checks and source notes.