How to Trade Commodities?

Kickstart your journey by learning how to trade the most widely traded commodities like gold and oil. Speculate on the price of the world's most popular raw physical assets.

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Understanding what commodity trading is?

Commodity trading involves investing in or trading a commodity with the intention of profiting from the changing price of the underlying asset. Some of the most commonly traded commodities include energy (such as oil and gas) and precious metals (like gold and silver).

Before jumping into the market and opening a commodity trade, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of exactly what commodity trading is.

How to Trade Commodities?

As a trader, the buying and selling of commodity instruments happens by way of a Contract for Difference (CFD), where a trader opens a ‘buy’ position if they think the price will rise, or a ‘sell’ position if they think prices will go down. Axi provides the opportunity to trade commodities online in several different ways: on commodity futures CFDs, cash CFDs and spot CFDs.

Ready to start trading commodities?

Follow our process to start commodity trading today:

  • Understand what commodity trading is and how it works
  • Open a demo and live account
  • Discover the commodity you want to trade
  • Select your trading platform
  • Open a position, monitor and close your first trade

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What commodites can I trade?

To get a better understanding on the commodity assets you can trade with Axi, see below some of the most popular or refer to our full list of commodities in our product schedule.

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Find out more about how to trade our top four commodities: gold, silver, copper and oil.

 

What is the difference between commodity cash CFDs, futures CFDs and spot CFDs?

The primary difference between trading cash, futures, and spot commodity CFDs is the pricing model.

Commodity futures CFDs

Contract for difference for coffee graphic

The futures price for a commodity sets a predetermined price for a financial transaction that will occur at a date in the future. This "futures price" is based on the commodity's current spot price plus the cost of storage/carry in the intermediate period before delivery. The cost of storage/carry also includes interest, insurance, and other incidental expenses.

Commodity spot CFDs

The spot price for a commodity is the current quote for immediate purchase, payment and delivery of that commodity. Spot price indicates the local cash price for immediate delivery of the commodity. The trading of the commodity is done "on the spot".

Commodity cash CFDs

This is the most frequent with futures options. A cash commodity is a tangible product that will be delivered in exchange for payment. The contract for a cash commodity specifies the exact amount of the commodity which is expected to be delivered, citing the delivery date, and the price. Companies speculate on a specific price for a commodity they plan to use and enter into contracts for cash commodities.

How much money do you need to start trading commodities?

There are two important things to consider: minimum deposit and initial margin.

Minimum deposit is the amount of funds required to open an account. Some brokers have a set amount, but Axi has no minimum deposit requirement.

Initial margin is the other important thing to consider. It is the amount of margin that the platform provides. Most platforms require you to post a relatively high initial margin, which you must maintain – although sometimes at a slightly lower amount. Trading commodities with Axi you can expect an initial margin rate requirement between 5-10%.

Commodity trading strategies

If you are new to commodities or are a long-term investor, understanding the most basic commodity trading strategies will be critical before risking your capital. There is plenty of opportunities in commodities and with these strategies it's a great place to start.

Breakout strategy

Breakout aims to capitalise on short-term movements. Traders use this method to find a gain by buying just before a commodity price moves substantially higher or selling just before the price moves drastically lower. This is best used when market trends are strong & long-lasting.

Fundamental trading

Fundamental trading strategies require more time for research and a greater understanding of how the different factors could affect commodity prices. Fundamental trading is considered a more long-term approach to trading commodities, analysing quantitative and qualitative data.

Range trading

Range trading is built around a charting mechanism that records support and resistance levels influenced by supply & demand. Traders buy at the support level (when prices are at the bottom of a range) and sell at the resistance level (when prices are at the top of a range).

Commodity trading platforms and tools

Utilise our world-class trading platforms and powerful tools to enhance your trading experience. With an Axi account, traders of all levels have access to top resources to help further improve their skills.

MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 4 is the smart choice for online traders everywhere who are looking for a trading edge. Simple for beginners and full of advanced functions for professionals, the MT4 platform helps you unlock unlimited trading possibilities.

Learn about MT4

PsyQuation

Built to utilise artificial tntelligence and machine learning, PsyQuation is a highly advanced trading analytics platform designed to reduce your trading mistakes and provide powerful performance analytics.

AutoChartist

Autochartist continuously scans the market for customised trade opportunities, based on realtime pricing and your specific trade setups, then alerts you to potential trades.

Discover more markets to trade with Axi

Choose from a variety of global markets to trade with Axi, using ultra competitive spreads to trade your edge.

Forex Trading

Share CFDs

Indices Trading

Cryptocurrency

Precious Metals

Oil Trading

Commodity Trading

Commodity trading FAQs

Leverage allows you to take a position in a particular commodity by paying only a fraction of the full trade value as margin. Depending on your region, Axi offers 30:1 leverage for standard trading accounts depending on the commodity asset being traded.

The risk in commodity trading is due to the market’s supply and demand oriented nature. Since a commodity price can be affected by anything from weather patterns to epidemics and natural disasters, market trends have an inherent uncertainty that must be built into your risk management.

Commodity trading can be a good choice for beginners due to its convenience and flexibility. Online commodity trading platforms are simple and intuitive to use. Investors can access resources like live quotes, charts, futures news, research and trading facilities, and even online assistance through AI and automation.

At Axi, we want to ensure all new traders have the essential tools and knowledge to make smart decisions and become profitable traders. Refer to our courses, videos and guides on how to trade commodities.

Trade commodities online with Axi

Sign up for a live trading account or try a free demo trading account to experience a real trading environment.

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