Reply #9: Having never heard of Embry and Hepburn, I googled "Plunge Protection Team

[MazeRat7]

One of the results was this article from the WP.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/longterm/blackm/plunge.htm

Having been an active trader for many years, I find it difficult to believe that any group (fed or otherwise) could "control" the markets to achieve a predictable outcome. That being said, I do believe that groups like the fed and financial task forces have the ability to mitigate damage caused by panic in periods of radical fluctuation.

As to the point of recovery during a down cycle being the result of a few "firms" buying specific commodities... I don't see it. The level of investment they would have to make to effect a positive market movement would be larger than the gross quarterly revenues of the current Fortune 50 companies. If there is such a cabal... they certainly know how to fly under the radar of 1000's of eyes, regulations, reports, and of course analysts.

MZr7