The way I see it is we are in the transition phase of new energy...

The way I see it is we are in the transition phase of new energy and lithium is now the next opportunity, for those who are able, to manipulate for massive gains replicating the history of oil and the NYMEX, except this time 'they' have more knowledge, advanced tools and the experience of the past to draw upon. We are up against it and at the mercy of individuals, organisations, or even governments to artificially influence the price for their own gain. Manipulation could take various forms, such as -

1. Speculative Trading: Large institutional investors or hedge funds can engage in speculative trading strategies to drive prices up or down, exploiting market dynamics for profit.

2. False Information: Market movers may spread false information or rumors to create fear or optimism in the market, leading to price fluctuations that they can capitalize on.

3. Physical Market Manipulation: Entities with significant market power, such as producers or miners, may manipulate physical supply and demand factors to influence prices. This can include actions like hoarding or releasing reserves strategically.

4. Options and Futures Market Manipulation: In markets where futures and options are traded, manipulation can occur through large trades or coordinated actions that distort prices.
   
   Ultimately though price is determined by the supply and demand dynamic which has changed slightly in the last 12 months but unless something changes drastically, the future is still going to be one where electrification has a major role, as evidenced by global emissions targets and the IPCC's directive for global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 at the latest, and be reduced by a quarter by 2030. Further supported by WEF, IEA, UN and the US.
   
   https://www.ipcc.ch/2022/04/04/ipcc-ar6-wgiii-pressrelease/
   https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/04/ipcc-report-mitigation-climate-change/
   https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050
   https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/
   
   Even Shell is invested in achieving this target -
   
   
   "We are also providing more lower-carbon energy solutions such as charging for electric vehicles, hydrogen and electricity generated by solar and wind power"
   "alongside the petrol and diesel we continue to supply to drivers of internal combustion engines, we offer lower-carbon choices such as biofuels blended into conventional fuel, as well as electric vehicle charging "
   "Shell is investing in electric truck charging"
   "We also continue to work closely with the aviation industry to assess the development of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft."
   
   https://www.shell.com/sustainability/our-climate-target.html