Commodities

Commodities Commodities are resources and products that have an equivalent utility to the consumer. The resource is then sold at in high volume at a fluctuating market price. For instance, no matter where or how it is acquire, a bushel of wheat holds the same market value. Because of this, all wheat can be clumped together and sold collectively on the commodities market.
The commodities market can be segmented into several categories including agriculture, livestock, energy, precious metals, industrial metals, and other. Agriculture includes commodities such as corn, wheat, and coffee, while livestock includes cows and hogs. Energy commodities are resources like crude oil, propane and ethanol. Precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum where industrial metals include lead, tin, and copper. The investor interest in commodities is increasing, even more so because the prices of commodities are on the rise.

Snag These Agriculture ETFs While You Can

Floundering commodity prices have given investors an opportunity to load up on ag-based futures before the summer harvest. But it won't last long.

Perk Up! Coffee’s Starting to Brew Big Profits

J.M. Smucker just announced a java-fueled boost in its earnings thanks to tanking bean prices -- news that bodes well for stocks like SBUX and DNKN.

Is Alcoa Really ‘Junk’?

Moody's view of Alcoa's debt load shouldn't sway investors away from this potential aluminum value play.

Is the Bond Selloff for Real? Watch These Sectors for a Clue

Treasury yields might be soaring, but the market segments most sensitive to China's economy are showing weakness. So which market is right?

Cash In on Freeport’s Sweetened Plains Deal

Freeport-McMoRan's move back into energy didn't sit well with shareholders ... until the company threw some cold hard cash on it. Here's why you should care.

BHP Might Be a Mess, But It’s a ‘Buy,’ Too

BHP Billiton's potential isn't for the prettiest reasons -- low iron and coal prices are near a floor and the company is cutting capex -- but it's potential nonetheless.

Stronger Dollar Spells Bad News for Stocks, Oil & Gold

The dollar has risen sharply in the year to date, causing much concern for investors. Oil and gold stocks are in particular danger.

Commodity Funds: Don’t Bother

Compared with stocks, commodity funds have experienced lower returns and higher volatility, and they have not been an effective source of diversification. Investors should rethink their holdings in commodity funds.

Soaring Wheat Won’t Crush Bread-Bakers

A record freeze is expected to send hard red winter wheat prices soaring, but don't make a knee-jerk bet against bread companies.

Where Are the World’s Best Market Returns?

So far this year, Ghana has rocketed to eye-popping returns. Of course, there are other promising -- and a bit more developed -- markets out there too.

Big Profits From Copper’s Collapse

The best way to play for more downside isn't with the commodity itself, but rather a useful proxy.

Commodities for Stock Investors — April

Natural gas prices are reaching profitable levels again, corn prices are falling, and oil and copper stocks are taking hits.

China Grinds Markets to a Halt — Monday’s IP Market Recap

Reports of slower growth in China overshadowed a seeming return to Merger Monday and sent U.S. markets significantly lower.

4 Sectors Not to Get Caught in During the Next Correction

These are the most overbought sectors as defined by the steep slopes of their charts.

Jump Into the Timber Super Cycle

Skyrocketing lumber demand here and abroad should keep fueling timber REITs' outsized returns.

Avoid This Sector Until After Friday

I would caution against taking any major long or short positions in the financials right now.

3 Water Utilities That Could Make a Big Splash

In the coming year, rocketing demand for water could mean shortages and rising prices. Cash in on the trend with one of these water utility stocks.

Don’t Panic Over Eventual Rate Hikes

Heading into the Federal Reserve's meeting, there is plenty of chatter over when rising interest rates could hit and what they could mean.

Craving Candy Stocks? Resist the Temptation

The government might jack up the price of sugar by buying some 400,000 tons -- bad news for candy stocks, which already were looking pretty pricey.