The main story overnight, which has cut gains in precious metals and oil, and set futures surging is a bizarre rumor that Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez has proposed a Libyan peace plan which is being considered by the Arab League. "Oil prices were lower on Thursday as speculation a peace deal may be brokered for Libya prompted some investors to cash in gains, but the market remained elevated on concerns over ongoing unrest in the region. A report the Arab League was considering a peace plan for Libya proposed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez led some players who had bet on rising prices to close their positions overnight." In terms of credibility and actual practicality, this story has about the same weight as the false rumor spread last week that Gaddafi was shot. But the desperate market will take any myth that sends it surging and run with it. "As for the proposed peace plan, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa told Reuters, "We have been informed of President Chavez's plan, but it is still under consideration." Analysts were sceptical the plan would lead to peace. "It is doubtful that the protesters in Libya will agree to enter negotiations with Gaddafi as the plan of Venezuelan President Chavez suggests," Commerzbank said in a note." So while a US aircraft carrier is happily swimming toward Libya (fact), stocks once again bury their head in the sand on the smallest amount of misinformation with the hope that central planning has once again regained control.

Reuters breaks down the second round of the "Chavez is shot" rumor: