1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Commodities

Getting Started With Commodities

Investing in commodities is not as well understood as stocks, so we will cover a little history of commodities and explain in more detail what they are. This section also covers the reasons why you may want to invest in commodities and whether they are right for you.
How Long Does It Take To Learn How To Trade Commodities?
I often get asked - how long does it take to learn how to trade commodities? That is a tough question to answer. The short answer is that a diligent person can learn the basics of trading commodities in a couple months. The long answer is that it can take a lifetime to master.
Creating a Commodity Trading Plan
A Trading Plan is an essential component that must be in place before you begin trading commodities. We will go over the main features of a trading plan and how to create a commodity trading plan.
Top Reasons Why Commodity Traders Lose Money
Most commodity traders lose money trading commodities. We look at the top reasons why commodity traders lose money and hope to educate commodity traders how they can avoid these mistakes.
Commodity ETF - Investing in Commodities With a Commodity ETF
A commodity ETF is an exchange traded fund that invests in commodities through exchange traded futures contracts. The commodity ETF is a basket of commodities that is a simplified way to diversify your investment portfolio by investing in commodities.
Which Commodities Should You Trade?
One of the first steps in trading commodities is finding out which commodities you should be trading.
Learn More About Individual Commodities
Learning about each particular commodity is an important step before you begin trading commodities. The report includes profiles of grain, metal, energy, soft and livestock commodities.
Myths of Investing in Commodities
Myths of Investing in Commodities are discussed. Many investors don't utilize commodities as an investment because of many misconceptions people have of commodities.
Importance of Keeping Records When Trading Commodities
Keep good records of your activity when trading commodities. Learn how and why you should keep track of your commodity trades.
What Size of Account Should You Use?
What size of account should you start with to trade commodities? They can range from $2,000 and up.
Introduction to Commodities and Futures
Learning the meaning of commodities and futures markets and how to make money trading commodities.
An Educational Guide to Trading Futures
A publication by the National Futures Association that provides an overview of the opportunities and risks in trading futures and options on futures.
The Economic Purpose of Futures Markets
Information from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission(CFTC) on the purpose of the futures markets and how they function.
What You Should Know Before You Trade
A publication from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission(CFTC), detailing what you need to know before you begin trading commodities and futures from general understanding to the risks involved.
Explore Commodities
About.com Special Features

Start your new business on the right foot with these helpful tips. More >

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Commodities
  4. Getting Started

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.