Which of the following, if true, most weakens Felicia’s argument? A)

QUESTION

Which of the following, if true, most weakens Felicia’s argument?

A) Even among experienced traders, 85 percent of commodity trades lead to losses rather than profits.
B) Precious metals continue to appreciate in value, but not as rapidly as they did last year.
C) Felicia balances her commodities investments among several different products.
D) Jorge enjoys the adrenaline rush of making a risky trade and is excited by Felicia’s advice.
E) If the price of a commodity goes down rather than rising, the value of the investment also declines.

ANSWER

Answer: A
Explanation: A) Commodities trading is notoriously fraught with many unpredictable variables, with success often due more to luck than to wisdom. So Choice A is correct: If even investors with a knowledge of this market often lose money, then Jorge, being an amateur, is poorly advised to get involved. Choice B, relating specifically to precious metals, supports Felicia’s strategy somewhat, although Jorge could be putting money on a different commodity. Choice E explains how such an investment loses value but does not speak to Felicia’s advice to Jorge. Choice D identifies a flawed reason for Jorge’s taking the advice, but it is not a flaw in Felicia’s argument. Choice C, on the other hand, might be a strong strategy used by Felicia to reduce the risks in her trading practices.