Financing Food: Financialisation and Financial Actors in Agriculture Commodity Markets

12 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2010

See all articles by Myriam Vander Stichele

Myriam Vander Stichele

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Thijs Kerckhoffs

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Roos van Os

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: April 28, 2010

Abstract

This briefing paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the so-called ‘financialisation’ of agricultural commodity markets. The briefing first explains how financial agricultural commodity markets work, with a main focus on the derivatives market, and who are the main financial actors involved. Without replicating the many existing and varying reports on the role of financial speculation in the rise and fall of food prices, the paper explains the increased role of financial speculators in the agricultural commodity markets and their impact. Since the nature of the debate about food price increases is often quite technical and intangible, this paper has avoided many technical terms and complexities. This SOMO briefing aims to allow more people than only insiders to contribute to the current discussions about reforms of the derivatives market in agricultural commodities, and their financial players.

Keywords: financialisation. commodity markets, agriculture, food prices, speculation, derivatives markets

Suggested Citation

Vander Stichele, Myriam and Kerckhoffs, Thijs and van Os, Roos, Financing Food: Financialisation and Financial Actors in Agriculture Commodity Markets (April 28, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1597138 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1597138

Myriam Vander Stichele

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Thijs Kerckhoffs

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Roos Van Os (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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