ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

Commodity vs Currency: Understanding the Differences and Risks

You would be familiar with online trading in the share market but do you know about commodity and currency trading? In terms of global trading volume, commodity and currency markets surpass their equity counterparts. 

In today’s blog, currency, and commodity trading online is our topic. We will go through the differences in fundamentals and the risks these asset classes represent. As a market participant, you should understand the nuances of each asset class and trade it based on the risk and return it has.

Understand Commodity Vs. Currency

Commodity as an asset is widely influenced by various global factors including demand and supply, geopolitics, international policies, and more. Additionally, you must keep tabs on commodity producers, weather, government regulations, and other factors to trade efficiently in commodities. 

Commodities can be segregated into four main categories – metals, bullion, energy, and agricultural produce. Each commodity has its dynamics and factors affecting its price. For instance, the price of crude oil is heavily influenced by the actions of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) members. As a participant in the commodity market, you must keep an eye on these developments.

Currency, on the other hand, is traded in pairs, unlike commodities or stocks which are traded in a single asset class. This means if you trade any currency pair, you buy one currency and sell another currency. Quotes in the currency market can be INR/USD, GBP/JPY, EUR/USD, and others. You can trade currencies via currency derivatives in India. 

The forex market a.k.a. the currency market is ranked first globally in terms of being the largest financial market. However, the trading volume is derived only from a handful of currencies like USD, JPY, EUR, GBP, and CHF. Based on your research and preferences, you can trade currency online via derivatives such as options and futures on Dhan.

Commodity Vs. Currency: Risk Factors

Commodity markets are highly influenced by demand and supply dynamics, trade terms, weather forecasts, and other exogenous events. Most of the risks in the commodity markets are systematic risks and are unique to each commodity.

For example, geopolitical issues in a major well-known oil producer country shoot up the prices of oil. You can take the example of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to sanctions being imposed on Russia and its oil supply. Another example is the slowdown in the economy of China, due to which commodities like Steel and Aluminium came under pressure. 

Currency markets are also influenced by the demand and supply trend, inflation, interest rates, trade balances, debt level, and many more. For currency, macroeconomic factors are the main drivers. They also impact an economy and as a result its currency. 

Thus, before you decide to trade currency online, you must be aware of the government policy, global positioning, and market sentiments for that currency pair. 

As a market participant, you need to scrutinize the risks that are involved and adjust your bids accordingly, whether you are undertaking currency or commodity trading online.

Conclusion

We hope that this article helps you understand commodity and currency as an asset class. If you are doing online trading in the share market, these asset classes can help you diversify your portfolio. However, as a market participant, you need to determine the pertinent asset class you can trade based on the objective, risk tolerance, and return expectations.

Read more investing news on PressReach.com.Subscribe to the PressReach RSS feeds:

Follow PressReach on Twitter
Follow PressReach on TikTok
Follow PressReach on Instagram
Subscribe to us on Youtube

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.