re: "The uncoupled securities now do not just include derivatives but also commodity contracts as exchanges no longer have the limits in place of having actual products to enter into those contracts." This is a subject of great debate among commodity followers, including silver and gold. See many, many discussions regarding the CFTC rules (or lack of same) around "naked" short positions--a method whereby huge banking institutions can create a false "demand" and reduce the price. Lately, it appears, (Though not verified.) that there isn't enough silver to actually meet the contracts held by people or institutions who want actual delivery. In the past, the speculators and huge banks would exit the fray before it became time to actually deliver the goods. However, rumor has it that the actual supply of real silver is so tight and the buyers (the longs) are sticking to the end, that the shorts cannot find metal to deliver and are paying off in cash. (at, of course, a premium) Its fun to watch -- harveyorgan.blogspot.com/ being one of many places. Another source is zerohedge.com. I am only touching on a much larger drama, but it looks like this is one place where the bankers are taking a hit.