Top Takes From RealMoney

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Oil

By Timothy Collins
8:10 a.m. EDT

Where does the influence of the analysts lie here? We constantly blame the speculators, but when noted analysts give oil a price target of $200, isn't that going to make lots of folks want to jump at oil when the market is pulling back, they are down money, and oil is far below $200? I'd be curious to see an expert's take on the Strategic Petrolem Reserves, and how our own government acted during the spike.

It hasn't been too long since the push for ethanol was in full force. A quasi-government initiative that has a large impact on corn, and its volatility and pricing. The appearance of future demand was certainly there, and the price reflected that, but to what extent? Here's the thing about speculation, you just never know.

Also, what about when stocks get far ahead of themselves? We don't see curbs there. Crocs(CROX Quote) was a pre-split triple-digit stock not too long ago. Analysts were pumping Citigroup(C Quote) and American International Group(AIG Quote) at much higher prices. The list on the stock side goes on and on.

In the end, if you pay an artificially high price on a stock, it has a negative impending on your ending net worth and ability to spend. No, it is not as all reaching as oil, but it still has an impact. It is still speculation. We are quick to hold the speculators at fault when prices are high or the market is moving in a direction that doesn't favor "your" angle. But how do our beloved analysts from very influential companies walk away from this one without any chastising or responsibility?

Positions: None