What is a futures market without risk-taking speculators providing hedges to suppliers & consumers of oil ?

Question

Do any of you really understand what is the speculators/traders role in S&D commodity markets? Why villify them and not the commodity cartels like OPEC?

Answer 1

Why vilify? I'm not vilifying them. They are putting themself out there in that manner. It is the speculators. I'm also sure in the end they will pay for their actions. Cornering the market is still a crime. The U.S went after Martha Stewart for acting in a manner that is common practice to investors. They nailed her trying to restrict her to the proverbial glass ceiling. These speculators are actually hurting people in their actions. I'm anxious to see who does what for their blatant misuse of the market.