CME Lowers Initial ES And Other Key Equity-Related Margins By 12%

Yes, it is obvious.  The CME and the powers-that-be favor certain commodities and asset classes.  Keep driving equities up, so the Fed's strategy to catalyze "animal spirits" and create a "wealth effect" (even though it is false prosperity), so people will open up their wallets again (even though they are broke).  Suppress bond yields to artificially prop up bond prices--and demand for said bonds (even though their "safe haven" status is questionable at best).

Meanwhile, when the energy complex (including crude oil) and precious metals (specifically gold and silver) begin spiking in price, do whatever it takes to take them down and teach all the "speculators" a lesson.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/cme-lowers-initial-es-and-other-key-equity-related-margins-12