You are exactly right about the merger. That’s the motivation because they need a continual build in derivatives open interest in order to maintain the rig.
They are losing now however because the speculators are finally exhausted and leaving the casinos at an alarming rate.
Again, this is why ABX (bankers) are rolling out this deal right now.
Let’s hope gold can breakout and thwart their efforts.
This could lead to an explosive move.
Cheers