1) is partially right. The extra volatility is probably caused by trading programs, but they are intentionally installed, not a virus. 2) I actually came up with this one myself. I even posted it in a former comment on HN. I draw a parallel to the Zimmerman cable, which the British intercepted and had to find a way of leaking to achieve their aims.

Conspiracy theory is an overloaded term, though, it doesn't have to be outlandish. Any group of people can conspire to achieve something.