Is Speculating on Food Dangerous?
Some believe that the food-price crisis in 2007-2008 was amplified by speculative trading in commodity futures, which have become an integral part of food markets. But futures markets have evolved in response to market participants’ need to manage price risks, and they are an indispensable marketing tool for many commodities.
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ROME – The prices of many staple foods increased dramatically during 2007-2008, creating a food crisis for many poor and developing countries. International prices of maize, rice, and wheat, for example, reached their highest levels in 30 years, causing political and economic instability – and leading to food riots – in many countries.