Conflicting roles of money in capitalist systems

Money has two values under the capitalist system: its worth as metal or other material; and its exchange value. As capitalism evolves, the former becomes increasingly insignificant. The fact that the exchange value is less related to the real value puts the former in question and causes very complex situations of economic and other instability. It also encourages speculation, with very negative repercussions for the majority of the population. The role of money is closely related to that of commodities which may also serve as exchange value; it is therefore only the propertied class which can take advantage of money by turning it into investments and other hard capital.