Cheaper than the bagSourced
Onion speculation left the contents worth less than their container
In 1950s Chicago, two traders bought large quantities of onions and onion futures, then flooded the market. Prices collapsed, with onions at one point selling for less than the bags holding them. The controversy and harm to growers led to legislation banning onion futures in 1958.
A kitchen ingredient became a problem for markets and lawmakers.
Summary / translation: Unbubly · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Onion Futures Act · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-10