Oil prices continue to rise despite a weak economy and historically high supply. The only logical explanation for this disconnect from supply and demand is the continuation of rampant speculation in the energy markets. The following charts provide statistical evidence of speculation and help to explain how speculators contribute to market instability:

Bullish Oil Reports Often Follow Valleys, Precede Spikes

Crude Oil Contract Volume Soared Since January 2004

Relative to Demand, Global Petroleum Stocks Have Grown

World Demand for Oil in 2009 to Fall Most Since 1981

Investors Have Added to Volatility of Crude Oil Markets