How to trade in commodity?

Introduction:

Commodities refer to essential items that are exchangeable and can be bought and sold. Be it food, metals, energy, or resources – commodities are fundamental for life, and investors can trade them on commodity exchanges similar to shares and bonds for profit.

Trading in commodities can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn a profit. It requires knowledge of the market and the ability to understand the economic impacts of supply and demand. The commodity exchanges enable you to invest in physical assets such as gold, oil, gas, and many other physical goods. This guide will provide you with an overview of the basics of trading in commodities, including the different types of commodities, the risks associated, and how to get started.

What are the commodities that can be traded? :

Commodity trade is divided into two significant categories

Agricultural:

• Edible Oil: Soybean, Soy oil, Mustard Seed, Palm oil
• Spices: Pepper, Turmeric, Jeera, Coriander
• Pulses and Grains: Cotton, Mentha oil, Wheat Maize, Chana, Guar Seed

Non-Agricultural:

• Precious Metals: Gold, Silver
• Base Metals: Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc
• Energy: Crude oil and Natural gas

Commodity Derivatives: How to Trade in Commodity Derivatives At ICICI Direct

Where can one invest in Commodities?:

Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) and Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) are prominent commodity exchanges in India. Commodities can be traded on these exchanges similar to how stocks are traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) or Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulatory body for commodities trading. Commodity exchanges require standard agreements to be followed to execute trades in underlying commodities as per the contract specifications

How to Invest in Commodities? 

Commodities could be traded in a spot market like in a Mandi for agri products or in the form of derivatives contracts traded on exchange. Commodities are traded for immediate delivery in the spot market, whereas derivatives involve investing in financial instruments that are based on various commodities.

A futures contract is the most straightforward way of investing in commodities. With a futures contract, investors reach an agreement to buy or sell standardized financial instruments or a specific quantity of the commodity at a pre-determined price and time in the future. Such a contract helps manufacturers dependent on such commodities hedge themselves against the risk involved with future price fluctuations.

If traders do not want to invest in commodities directly but wish to profit from the price changes in the commodity markets, they can invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) of selected commodities. For example, Gold ETF tracks the prices of gold and allows investors to invest in that.

Benefits of investing in commodities:

How to get started with Commodity Trading

Commodities have no co-relation with the rise and fall in the value of other financial assets. They are directly linked to the demand, supply, and worth of the underlying commodity. Investors are attracted to commodity markets to diversify their portfolio. However, investors must keep in mind that commodity markets are volatile and are affected by several economic and political factors.

Differences between Commodity Trading and Share Market:

Buying and selling commodities are not the same as buying and selling shares. A few key factors to that differentiate the two include:

• Perishability:

  Few commodities are perishable in nature, which means that if the commodity is not stored safely or perishes before the exchange, it may lose all its value. Unlike this, in shares the underlying asset is intangible and can be shared as long as the company is functional.

• Delivery:

  You can choose to take the delivery in commodity contracts, which is susceptible to a much higher risk than the delivery of electronic stock certificates.

• Time frame:

  As commodity trades are available in the form of a derivatives contract, they are usually suitable for short term trades as each contract has a pre-defined expiry period. The stock market is suitable for both short term and long term investments.

• Volatility:

  Commodities are grown or mined in specific countries, and prices of such commodities are related to political relationships with these locations. These external factors make commodities highly volatile in comparison to stocks.

Conclusion:

A Commodity is a unique investment vehicle that also serves as an alternative asset. Investors need to enter into future trading contracts to trade in commodities and can diversify their portfolio. However, there are several risks associated with commodity trading that investors should be cautious about before investing.

Disclaimer: The contents herein mentioned are solely for informational purpose and shall not be considered as an invitation or persuasion to trade or invest. I-Sec and affiliates accept no liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any actions taken in reliance thereon.