Topic: Etn

Crude oil prices have plummeted to $40 per barrel, leading to predictions that gasoline could drop to $1.00 per gallon within a year. Goldman Sachs is criticized for publicly predicting $200 oil while allegedly holding short positions through exchange-traded notes (ETNs). The drop in energy costs is expected to provide a significant boost to the broader economy.

An investment in a "double short" oil exchange-traded note (ETN) issued by Deutsche Bank serves as a case study for complex financial vehicles. The prospectus for the instrument is described as being the size of a phone book and intentionally convoluted. These types of derivatives are criticized for their lack of transparency and "house of cards" structure.