Everyone wields different powers when it comes to business. Some say that cryptocurrency prices can be manipulated by wealthy individuals. Despite being decentralized, it seems that price movements can be controlled by specific entities.
So, in your opinion, can everything related to money in this world be manipulated? For instance, do you believe that the value of the USD or the largest stock market in the US can be manipulated by a few individuals?
What kind of people are capable of market manipulation?
What does "a few individuals" mean? I think that could go too far although what if the five major US banks collude on interest manipulation on behalf of their CEOs. I guess the CEOs have the power to enforce their hypothetical plans if they wanted to. Is that still an individual to you or is it an organization or more a "player" in the market.
When you look
at the LIBOR scandal, you can get a good impression of what is possible on the global financial stages. Collusion at a level that nobody would imagine at first glance. But once you have looked into several scandals that happened in the past, you will realize that there is a pattern when centralization of power meets opportunity, it is almost guaranteed that the day will come when some will want to exploit that opportunity for their own benefit, regardless of illegality.
So I think yes is the answer, individuals can manipulate the market depending on what position they are in.
CEOs of major US banks conspiring? The idea is almost absurd. While a handful have power, it's foolish to presume they're puppet masters behind every scandal. For instance, the LIBOR scandal? That was a systemic issue, not just a few prominent people.
However valid, centralization of power doesn't inevitably mean widespread manipulation. Powerful people aren't necessarily evil. Decentralization, like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, gives many optimism. Ironically, 'whales' cause large price movements in Bitcoin. So, what's your point exactly?