A closer look
A massive underground salt cavern in Texas is arguably the most powerful day-trading account in the world. The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve was built to protect against catastrophic supply shocks, but it has evolved into a massive financial signaling tool. When the White House announces a release of millions of barrels, the mere threat signals to Wall Street speculators that the government will ruthlessly combat price spikes, immediately crashing crude oil futures before a single drop is pumped.
