What does the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) primarily aim to protect?

The primary aim of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to protect investors and maintain market integrity. This is achieved through the enforcement of federal securities laws that govern the securities industry. By overseeing the processes of securities registration and reporting, the SEC ensures that investors have access to material information that can influence their investment decisions.

The SEC's role also involves preventing fraud and manipulation in the securities markets, fostering transparency, and maintaining a fair playing field for all participants. This protection of investors contributes to overall market confidence, which is vital for the functioning and stability of the financial system.

The other choices, while related to business and finance, do not encapsulate the SEC's primary mission. Corporate profits, for example, are relevant to businesses themselves but are not the SEC's focus. Tax compliance and trade regulations pertain to different areas of financial law and regulation, but they do not reflect the SEC's specific responsibility towards investor protection and market oversight.