On Mon, 5 Mar 2012 19:41:51 -0600, Boating All Out
wrote:

In article ,
says...

On Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:40:14 -0500, X ` Man
wrote:

In most cases the "speculator" is the logistics manager for some large
petroleum consumer who is trying to do their job by locking up
sufficient future supplies.



I will grant what you say with this modification:

"In some cases, the speculator is the logistics manager..."

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Let's take an example that everyone understands. Most people fill up
the tank of their car when it starts getting low, possibly less than a
quarter of a tank give or take. However, if there is talk of a
possible shortage or a major price increase, many people would start
filling up more often, oerhaps when half full or even 3/4ths. Does
that make them speculators? The exact same thing happens with
logistics managers who are hired to ensure adequate future deliveries.
Does that cause an increse in demand and increased auction prices?
Of course it does. Does that make them speculators?

What's your point? Most people know how commodity suppliers and
consumers lock in future prices.
The fact is speculators run the show.
70% of oil contracts are held by Wall Street banks and hedge funds.

Pure speculation by the one-percenters.
They don't produce oil or buy it in bulk.
They shuffle and trade paper to suck up money any way they can.
The 99-percent provide the money when they pay for oil.
That's the face of it.
Put all the make-up you want on it. It's still the same face.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/1...explains-more-
about.html

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Futures are bought and sold in auction markets and anyone can play.
There are exchange traded funds for smaller investors.