Aug 15 How do speculators affect the price of crude oil? Question/Comment: I would like to understand how speculators affect the price of crude oil. I’d like to know who these people are (in general) and how they operate. Paul Solman: I’m on record on this page (and elsewhere)… Continue reading
Aug 14 Nigeria Hands over Oil-rich Peninsula to Cameroon By PBS News Hour Nigeria handed over the Bakassi peninsula to neighboring Cameroon on Thursday, bringing a formal end to a 15-year dispute marred by violence and legal battles. Continue reading
Aug 05 Do you believe that some of the run up in oil prices is based on speculation in the commodoties markets? By Business Desk Question/Comment: Do you believe that some of the run up in oil prices is based on speculation in the commodities markets? My understanding is that the amount of funds et al. playing in oil futures has risen more than 70… Continue reading
Aug 04 Watch Transcript: Obama’s ‘New Energy for America’ Speech Following is a transcript of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's Monday energy policy speech, as prepared for delivery in Lansing, Mich., and distributed by his campaign. Continue watching
Jul 31 Why do some people refer to the current price of oil as a “bubble”? Question/Comment: Why do some people refer to the current price of oil as a "bubble" Paul Solman: Because the nature of bubbles is that they inflate, but inevitably pop. Those who refer to the "oil bubble" expect the price to… Continue reading
Jul 28 Nigerian Militants Renew Oil Pipeline Attacks By PBS News Hour Nigeria's main militant group in the oil-rich Niger Delta region claimed responsibility for two oil pipeline attacks Monday, less than a week after officially calling off a cease-fire on pipeline sabotage… Continue reading
Jul 18 Is there any way we can hedge against the energy and commodities as an individual investor? Question/Comment: As an individual investor/consumer, it’s really hard to adjust to sudden increases in gas and food prices. Is there any way we can hedge against the energy and commodities as an individual investor? Paul Solman: It might be a… Continue reading
Jul 11 Paulson: No Bailout for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac By Admin, PBS News Hour Amid worries that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac might run short of capital, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Friday the government would support them "in their current form as they carry out their important mission."… Continue reading
Jul 09 Why are many oil-producing countries still unable to solve their chronic poverty problem? Question/Comment: With the record world petroleum prices, why is it that many oil-producing countries, such as Mexico, Venezuela, Nigeria, are still unable to solve their chronic poverty problem? Shouldn't the oil boom generate more jobs for the masses… Continue reading
Jun 30 Iraqis Open Oil to Foreign Firms to Boost Output By PBS News Hour The Iraqi government opened six of its oil fields to international bidders Monday as the nation attempts to increase daily production by 60 percent, leaving the door open for top Western companies to tap into the world's third largest oil… Continue reading