Cornering the Market: The Hunt Brothers’ Silver Scheme

The course “Cornering the Market: An Analysis with a Case Study on the Hunt Brothers’ Silver Scheme” delves into the infamous attempt by the Hunt brothers to manipulate the silver market in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Students will explore the strategies employed by the Hunts to amass vast amounts of silver, which led to a dramatic increase in silver prices and a subsequent market panic when prices collapsed. The curriculum covers the economic and regulatory implications of market cornering, including detailed analysis of commodity trading, market speculation, and the role of regulatory bodies like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Through this case study, the course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of market dynamics, the ethical and legal boundaries of trading, and the potential consequences of market manipulation.