Searching everywhere for a solid answer for crude’s sudden and unexpected rise, we have to settle on casino mentality speculative forces afoot in the marketplace.

Turning the old adage on its head, equities indices across the globe are pulsing with new life and – dare we say? – optimism. Was the deep correctional dive and equally steep return of stocks really necessary?

We need to let something sink in: Investors today sharply reduced the probability of a an interest rate move next month, with trading in federal funds futures on Wednesday implying only a 24% probability they will act, compared with 48% on August 18.