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Re:Why Are Lithium Prices Collapsing? by refurb on Sunday April 30, 2023 @09:18AM (#35762273)
I can give you a great example of the positive aspect of speculation.

Look at the futures market. Speculators are a big part of the liquidity of the futures market.

Price of wheat is $60/bushel. Farmer won't harvest for another 6 months and is worried prices will drop. They can secure a future and lock in the price now.

Wheat purchasers aren't on the other side of that trade, because why would they lock in a higher price? A lower price benefits them.

Speculators come in and bet on the price of wheat, creating a deep pool of futures that can be bought and sold.

Re:Why Are Lithium Prices Collapsing? by dd36 on Sunday April 30, 2023 @11:14PM (#35768741)
They can also drive down the price. They can also inflate prices so much that actual buyers switch products.