3 chapters across the catalog
Oil Price Manipulation, TransOcean Swiss Exchange Listing
A theory is presented suggesting that large oil companies benefit from disasters that halt drilling and drive up global oil prices. It is noted that TransOcean Limited went public on the Swiss exchange in Zug on the exact day of the Deepwater Horizon explosion. The timing is viewed as a potential financial maneuver involving put options and stock shorting.
Financial Derivatives, Deutsche Bank Oil Short ETN
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.
Election Postponement Theory, Oil Prices, and Short Selling Expiration
A prediction is made that the expiration of short selling restrictions on October 2nd will lead to a market collapse so severe that the 2008 elections will be postponed. While one participant foresees a total breakdown of the real economy, the other remains skeptical of such an unprecedented event. Oil price predictions are also revisited, with a new target of $60 per barrel.
