Which of the following statements, about assurance of financial statements, are true?

Question $1$ Select one:

a$.$

Assurance of financial statements can reduce agency costs even if information asymmetry increases

b$.$

Assurance of financial statements allows the owners of the company to obtain independent information about the company$$s financial position and performance without having to rely on the financial statements of the company

c$.$

Assurance of financial statements reduces agency costs because it reduces information asymmetry

d$.$

Assurance of financial statements is only necessary because managers might engage in fraud by manipulating earnings to improve their bonuses and the share price of the company.