The commodity market is divided into hard commodities (like metals and energy) and soft commodities (like agricultural goods and livestock). These are raw materials traded globally, often through futures contracts, and they form the backbone of industries from manufacturing to food production.
Major Categories in the Commodity Market
1 Crude Oil
Most traded energy commodity; drives global fuel and industrial production.
2 Natural Gas
Key energy source for heating, electricity, and industrial use.
3 Coal
Traditional energy commodity, still vital in many countries despite renewable growth.
4 Gold
Precious metal used for jewelry, investment, and as a safehaven asset.
5 Silver
Industrial and investment metal; used in electronics and solar panels.
6 Copper
Essential industrial metal for wiring, construction, and electronics.
7 Platinum
Precious metal used in automotive catalytic converters and jewelry.
8 Wheat
Staple grain commodity; traded globally for food production.
9 Corn
Used for food, animal feed, and biofuel production.
10 Soybeans
Major agricultural commodity for oil, protein, and livestock feed.
11 Coffee
Popular soft commodity; global demand drives largescale trade.
12 Cotton
Agricultural fiber commodity; essential for textiles and clothing.
13 Cattle
Livestock commodity; traded for beef production.
14 Pork (Lean Hogs)
Livestock commodity; reflects global demand for pork products.
15 Uranium
Energy commodity used in nuclear power generation.
Hard commodities (metals, energy) are critical for industrial growth and infrastructure.
Soft commodities (agriculture, livestock) directly impact food supply and consumer goods.
Trading commodities helps investors hedge against inflation and diversify portfolios.