If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. 

With this respite in the seemingly inexorable climb in crude oil prices, let's pause to give yet another opinion.  The question that continues to confound and cause arguments between the so-called analysts deals with source of the price run-up in oil.  Many theories abound including the weakening dollar, global demand and big oil companies propping up the price.  One idea that has been floated is plain and simple manipulation by speculators.

Besides being sickened that that price for a barrel of oil has doubled in almost a year, notice that the cost is not at it's peak today.  On May 22nd, oil reached a record high of $135.09 a barrel.  Since that point, it has been steadily dropping.  Information which typically impacts that price of oil like stockpile values and production capacity are released regularly, perhaps that can explain the drop.  However, another interesting development occurred on May 30th, that was when the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced in investigation into crude oil trading.

Since the announcement by the CFTC, oil has plunged over $10 a barrel.  Cynics will argue that various reports have been released since that date which have caused the price to fall.  The results of the investigation will hopefully shed some light on the speculative nature of oil trading and perhaps even introduce some much needed regulation.  Perhaps its just coincidence the price has dropped so dramatically since the CFTC made their announcement.  Or maybe, just maybe some of these market manipulators are running for cover.  Time will tell...

The next question that needs addressed is with oil falling, why do gas prices remain at record highs. 

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