Nevertheless, subsidies to biofuel development are a central issue given the distress caused by the worldwide surge in food prices. Finally, another phenomenon adding uncertainty is the fact that these commodities are now considered a financial asset class. The interest they arouse in investors may be due to the fundamentals of physical markets still dominating the trend.
However, if speculation becomes more widespread, we might enter into a more volatile stage. The futures markets play a major part in setting international prices for many agricultural and energy commodities. Preserving its adequate operation is one of the top priorities for policymakers.