The World Development Movement (WDM) reports that financial speculators—with no prior interest in agriculture—are dominating commodity markets, creating inflation and fueling skyrocketing food prices. Fifteen years ago, financial speculators only accounted for 12 percent of agricultural futures as compared to over 60 percent today. Although some commentators question whether financial speculation can affect the price of food, this report confirms that the financial sector has played a significant role in destabilizing the current food system.
By Murray Worthy
World Development Movement
September 2011
To view the report, click here.