Financial speculators have been blamed for inflicting recession on the rich world and starvation on poorer countries.
They have been accused of buying up contracts for vital commodities - not to use, but to hold in the hope of price rises.
And, by buying up billions of dollars worth of food and oil contracts, it's claimed that they artificially drove up prices, wrecked businesses and put food out of the reach of people in poorer countries.
click here to see where to watch or .
Ready to Watch The Money Programme, Season 2009, Episode 12?