Final answer:
Rose was likely trying to access financial information related to major firms' operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rose was most likely trying to access financial information related to the operation of several major firms.
The question mentions that Rose's request was to access Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) reports. The SEC is responsible for regulating and overseeing the securities industry in the United States, which includes publicly traded companies. Therefore, the type of information Rose was requesting would likely pertain to the financial operations and performance of these firms.
The answer can be supported by the information provided in the reference texts, such as the mention of the Federal Securities Act and the establishment of the SEC to regulate the investment industry.