At a time when NPR is emphasizing the Congressional debate on and the suggestion, again, by some Republicans, such as Jeff Sessions (AL) that arctic drilling is the answer to the high price of gasoline, it is interesting to read that commodities speculation, besides affecting food prices, is affecting oil, and that deregulation has entered into this. The reporter provides me with a good overview of the arguments, although he doesn't provide any expert to evaluate the validity of this argument v.s. the Administration's position, as expressed by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., that investors are not to blame. "These officials cite supply and demand as a far bigger factor." The firms have been given leeway since 1991 under ... More »

This presents an important and growing story. It mentions ICE and Michael Greenberger, but does not reveal the controversy stirred up by Greenberger's recent testimony about ICE. Well sourced and with plenty of direct quotes, but I would like to see more from independent policy organizations.

A well written story about the "darkness" of the commodity futures market, oil trading in particular. The speculative nature of the market overwhelms. in my opinion more than ever, the so called "natural regulator" role of it. "Demand and supply", could have been lots of years back now is more and more controlled "demand and supply". And guess who is using this? The hedge funds that make millions to the million+ club member not your lame 401 K fund that basically funnel your money into their profits. All kind of "financial vehicles" popped up on the market (gee, there has to be a reason why financial stocks are not recommended now) and obviously the "innovation" continue. Everybody expects government regulations to do the job ... More »