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How to Invest in the Commodities Trading Market

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By willjames
User-Submitted Article
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Chicago Mercantile Exchange: Home of the Commodities
Chicago Mercantile Exchange: Home of the Commodities
liz_noise @ flickr

Investing in the commodities trading market is not just limited to traders down on the floor of the Chicago Merc or head honchos sitting high up in Wall Street Towers. In fact, it has become as readily available as ever with the emergence of the commodity ETF over the past few years. This vehicle allows anyone with $20 or so to get in on the game.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A bit of cash (for investing purposes) but not too much.
  • An account with an online broker. (Preferably a discount broker.)
  1. Step 1

    Understand what the commodities trading market is and what purpose it serves for investors and hedgers alike. We are really talking about investing through the window of a commodity-linked vehicle rather than an outright owning of the bushel of wheat or corn. The initial purpose of this market is to allow business owners to hedge their bets against unpredictable catastrophes like drought, etc.

  2. Step 2

    Study the commodities trading market if you haven't already done so. Lots of people make a lot of money here but just as many suffer big losses. At least with the ETF's investors can now play smaller positions than ever before.

  3. Step 3

    Once you think you have a good idea for a position to take, sign up with an online brokerage which supports exchange traded funds. This is the way I suggest to get in on the commodities trading market as it is the easiest to get in and out of, and offers the most flexibility in size positions. Buy as many or as few shares as you are comfortable with, without going over the line.

  4. Step 4

    Finally, monitor your investment and have a plan on how to get out before you even get in. Pretty much every commodities trader sticks to this golden rule.

Tips & Warnings
  • Any commodities ETF is load free. (As are all ETF's.) This makes it a cheaper securities vehicle.
  • You assume full responsibility for all your investing decisions.
  • The commodities trading market can become very volatile (witness 2008), so make sure and not leave yourself out to dry.
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