If you’re looking to invest in commodities, you’ve got many options. You can invest in futures contracts, hedge funds, or commodity ETFs. Each one offers its own benefits and risks, so it’s important to choose the best option for you. Here are four considerations to keep in mind before deciding on which kind of commodity you should invest in.
Alternative investments specializing in commodities
Commodities are a good way to diversify your investment portfolio. They offer minimal correlation to stock markets and bonds, and have a history of providing returns that diverge from those of traditional assets. In addition, they help reduce volatility.
Alternative investments specializing in commodities include commodities futures and commodities ETFs. The commodities you invest in can be in the form of raw materials, agricultural products, or precious metals.
Investing in commodities can be risky, though. A variety of factors can affect prices, including interest rates, the economy, and natural disasters. As such, you should always consult a financial professional before investing.
Commodities can also be used as a hedge against inflation. Prices for commodities tend to rise when inflation is accelerating. Furthermore, commodities can offer tactical opportunities from time to time. For example, if oil prices surge, you may be able to sell your position to lock in some profits.
If you’re not sure what types of alternative investments are best for you, talk to a financial professional to find out. He or she can recommend options tailored to your needs.
Futures contracts
Futures contracts are standardized derivative contracts for a specified quantity of an underlying asset. These are traded on futures exchanges and have specific pricing, delivery terms, and settlement methods. They can be used to hedge against price fluctuations or to manage risk in an investment portfolio.
Some of the most common commodities traded include oil, coal, copper, corn, gold, and silver. There are a number of different types of futures contracts, including commodity futures, energy futures, and stock market futures.
In addition to providing a way to diversify an investment portfolio, futures contracts allow investors to take advantage of leverage. Large positions can distort prices. However, many traders liquidate their positions before the contract expires, thereby minimizing risk.
Physical delivery is also a standard feature of futures contracts. Unlike options, where the right to buy or sell is granted, a futures contract gives both the buyer and seller an obligation to deliver. This ensures that physical delivery is made.
Commodity ETFs
Commodity ETFs are a great way to diversify your portfolio. They give you exposure to a wide range of commodities, including oil, natural gas, silver, gold, and more. Some are specialized and focus on particular types of commodities. If you want to diversify your portfolio, it’s wise to research the different options available.
Commodity ETFs are made up of a combination of futures contracts, derivative products, and asset-backed securities. As a result, they are susceptible to changes in the market. In addition, they may have significant amounts of uninvested cash.
The best commodity ETFs offer investors a way to get exposure to a variety of commodities without having to worry about the risks involved in holding these assets. While they do come with some unique risks, they are also a way to diversify your investment portfolio.
Some commodity funds invest in a specific group of commodities, such as agricultural products. Others create their own benchmark indexes, allowing you to get exposure to a wider variety of commodities.
Hedge funds
Hedge funds invest in commodities through a variety of strategies, including long and short positions, derivatives, currencies, and real estate. The sector’s performance has been impressive in the past year, with prices jumping to multi-year highs. However, the sector has been out of favor for years.
The sector’s recovery is attracting big macro fund managers, who are hunting for top talent to beef up their commodities teams. This week, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway added another $7 billion to its stake in Occidental Petroleum.
Investors have been pouring into commodity hedge funds in recent weeks. This is a sign that the sector is starting to recover from its massive collapse last year.
Amid talk of a new supercycle, investors are flocking to the sector. One of the best-known oil investors, Pierre Andurand, has a commodities fund that is up nearly two-thirds this year.
There are currently 25 commodity hedge funds managing over $732 billion. Of these, 15 have increased their assets by more than 50 percent this year, and three more are set to double their portfolios.