Commodity trading strategies are different from traditional forms of stock exchange trading. The most traded financial instruments in the market are equities, but commodities make up a high percentage of foreign exchange. Commodities like coffee or tea tend to fluctuate more than stocks and bonds, but the contrasts prove that they can be ripe with profit for those who can take advantage of the swings in price. Prices for commodities are based on factors such as supply and demand and external events that may not affect either stocks or bonds.
So, first of all, you should have an empty mind about the tips and tricks that you have learned or heard so far when it comes to investing inequities. It is also vital that you understand that stocks are put under a different category to commodities trading. You must understand this.
Diversify
Despite a ton of forecasting, extensive analysis and technical research, small business owners must accept that mistakes are bound to happen. But successful traders who understand the importance of diversifying aren't the ones who never lose, but instead are the ones who anticipate that they will lose in some areas and accordingly spread their resources over various commodities from which losses might be offset by gains from other types of supplies or services offered. Also, while some factors may be similar among all sellers making a similar commodity, others will differ greatly in price and success next to one another.
E.g., an economy in decline may reduce production activity due to reduced demand for discretionary items such as cars. This will invariably reduce the demand for crude oil, hence slashing their prices.
However, prices of wheat and other food commodities may be affected if there is a wider than expected slump in the average wage levels. These are essential commodities required for subsistence, so it would not be wise to pin all your hopes on them because they may not help you generate wealth in the commodities markets.
Understand the cyclical nature of the commodities market
As an investor, it is crucial to know your role in driving the cycle. The low supply and high demand equilibrium force the commodities market to push the price up. However, when you play this trend and bring about a bargain buy offering more than what people are selling, you lose some credibility due to over-leveraging. Conversely, anticipating the quickly fluctuating prices of some commodities (like oil) requires heavy research and knowledge of the situation on the ground, including economic and geopolitical factors.
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There is an increase in demand.
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Capital expenditure is increased to increase production to meet the growing demand.
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Capital expenditure is reduced to accommodate the reduction in prices, which reduces the supply and subsequently brings about a supply and demand equilibrium.
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The supply slowly exceeds the demand leading to a fall in commodity strategies.
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prices to increase the demand.
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And then the process starts all over again.
Select an appropriate exchange
You must select an exchange with enough liquidity, so commodity futures can be freely bought or sold without the continual worry of finding a buyer or a seller. Further, the exchange's clearinghouse acts as a counterparty to both the parties involved in the trade. This removes any credit risk.
Also, the risk is lessened further as all the leading exchanges require the positions in commodity futures to be marked to market daily.
Manage volatility
Volatility is an incredibly accurate word to describe the trading of commodities. Volatility refers to the prices that increase or decrease over time and how quickly they go up or down. Perhaps no other industry has as much volatility as commodity trading does. The term "volatility" can be compared to a tornado, which can destroy your profits but at the same time give you gains that are larger than life if you pay attention to it and know when to get out before it's too late.
Volatility will be a determining factor in commodities' risk/return scenario as high-volatility products generate higher returns. At the same time, there is an increased potential for risk. Therefore, rookie traders are encouraged to handle less volatile commodities such as gold and oil rather than more volatile ones like copper and agricultural goods.
The tips and tricks mentioned above are the best and most useful ones that a commodity trader should follow to gain optimum profits. The fact is increasing returns come with more risk, so a trader must choose an appropriate and trustworthy broker who solely deals with commodities because selecting the wrong broker can be disastrous for your financial well-being.
Source URL: https://go.commoditiesuniversity.com/day-trading-futures-made-easy
