From Ted Butler's most recent report on the manipulation of billions of dollars worth of silver by two U.S. banks:

Here are the facts. As of July 1, 2008, two U.S. banks were short 6,199 contracts of COMEX silver (30,995,000 ounces). As of August 5, 2008, two U.S. banks were short 33,805 contracts of COMEX silver (169,025,000 ounces), an increase of more than five-fold. This is the largest such position by U.S. banks I can find in the data, ever.

http://news.silverseek.com/TedButler...

I suggest you read the report which illustrates and explains the Bank participation in the futures market as of late. One can only wonder if this will continue. Is there any hope? What's next, price fixing? I'm not really sure if the powers that be will allow any breakout of PM past a certain point. In fact, I'm quite frightened this exactly what they'll do and all of everyone's patience and hard work won't pan out.

Anyone care to comment on this?