Alex’s Notes: Hat tip to Simon Heapes who pointed this article out to me this morning.

I certainly found the amazing drop in oil price strange when it occurred. When I see an amazing rise or drop, I have learned (ok call it being cynical) that many times it might just be someone tinkering in the markets.

I have seen far too much evidence of this kind of tinkering PERSONALLY to just dismiss it anymore. So when a massive shift occurs, not only do I look at market fundamentals, what the technical traders are saying, but also I look for motive and manipulation.

To assume we trade in “free markets” any more is simply naive.

Does this mean I think every move in the markets are contrived?

No, that is not what I am saying.

What I am saying is, that markets have been manipulated for far smaller incentive than the sovereignty and or control of an entire monetary system.

Therefore if the stakes are that high, it seems to me a much more likely motive.

I never believed that the drop in oil last year was free market action. Those of you who spoke to me live during that time frame know this, as I said it often.

I could not, until now, put my finger on why.

The article below, by Mr. Kirby, who by the way I consider an extremely competent forensic analyst, sheds light on the story.

Great job Mr. Kirby.

By: Rob Kirby

I’ve been trying to resolve what’s behind the recent inversion of the historic premium that West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil has enjoyed versus Brent Crude?  Historically, West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil trades at a premium price to Brent Crude Oil for quality as well as logistical reasons.  In recent weeks and months – WTI has been trading at a deep discount to Brent Crude:

From an historical perspective, this price disparity pictured above is BACKWARDS.  There is a reason:

Recently, I shared with my subscribers some unusual machinations which are acknowledged to have occurred by the U.S. Dept.