they are traded as a commodity like everything else. Recent events dont help, fears of a collapse in financial markets due to dubious 'hedge fund' practices & we're on a roller-coaster ride to thrift-valley.
in general, you may well see inflated prices just as schools & students start the new academic year, maybe a lull once thats all over, but then once the xmas/new year bounty is approaching i should think we can all wave goodbye to bargain prices.