> why turn your money into commodities and back into money if you weren't going to get more money as a result I'm guessing this is oversimplified, but I haven'

> why turn your money into commodities and back into money if you weren't going to get more money as a result I'm guessing this is oversimplified, but I haven't read the book. Otherwise, the simple fact is no trade in business is guaranteed, there will be plenty of such exchanges that lose money due to speculation. At the very least your buyer could pull out or go bankrupt before finalising the sale resulting in a fire sale and a loss. Of course, by sheer probability if not talent, some people will win more than they lose and get ahead. The real danger is the plays that an excessive force of money can enable, like predatory and monopolistic practices in buying up a market (or legislators), or driving a competitor out of business. That's where money really makes money.