May 23, 2008 (The Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The intertwined fragility of our economic system was never more apparent than with today's oil prices. With the economy reeling from a weak dollar and housing and credit problems, institutional investors shifted money from stocks and currency to commodities resulting in price spikes of everything from oil to wheat.
This speculation was identified as the chief villain for rising food and energy costs during Senate hearings this week. The commodities market, once dominated by just a handful of investors and producers, now has become a huge full-fledged investment arena with a profound effect on the day-to-day essentials of everyday people.
One former hedge fund trader said the trading strategies equate to "virtual hoarding via the commodities futures markets." Investors are "buying up essential items that exist in limited quantities for the sole purpose of reaping speculative profits." This speculation pulls away from the fundamentals of supply and demand. Adam Smith's observation on basics of capitalism presupposes that supply can be controlled when demand is there. But future prices now are based not on supply and demand but speculation based on observations or fear.
Article Here
: Oil prices result of speculation
Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by Revmitchell, May 25, 2008.
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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There's more than one way to skin the middle class I reckon.
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Ever heard of market manipulation?
or Collusion?(if mis-spelled please forgive me).
Things are coming along as planned,and it is useless to expect anything else .You see they love money and will do anything and I mean anything to get all they can,so please don't lay the "thats the way capitalism works"bunk on too thick,cause there isn't many folks buying it anymore.
Understand this please.....they are sticking to the plan,to bring america to its knees financially,morally,and governmentally,any way they can they just don't want you going to your spiritual knees cause then they lose!
So once again open your eyes and see what they have in store for this nation,and this world. -
Very interesting article, pointing to greed knowing no bounds.