Commodities are traded on specialized exchanges in large units called contracts. For example, gold is traded in 100-troy-ounce contracts, while Brent crude oil is traded in 1,000-barrel contracts, equivalent to 42,000 gallons. These large contract sizes can make trading challenging for individual investors. For instance, purchasing a lot of gold priced at $1,000 per troy ounce would require $100,000, while a lot of Brent crude priced at $50 per barrel would cost $50,000.
Trading Commodities and CFDs
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) offer a more accessible alternative for individuals to trade commodities compared to traditional exchange-based methods. This accessibility stems from the simplified mechanics of CFD trading and its pricing structure. With CFDs, traders do not buy or sell the physical commodity. Instead, they speculate on the price difference between the opening and closing of a contract, with all transactions settled in cash, eliminating the need for physical delivery.
CFDs also provide leverage, allowing traders to open positions with a smaller upfront investment compared to the full contract value. Additionally, some brokers offer mini contracts, which are a fraction of the size of standard contracts—often one-tenth—making it easier for smaller traders to participate in commodity markets.
How commodities are priced
Pricing commodities differs significantly from shares, indices, or forex. Each commodity has its own pricing unit; for example, Brent crude oil is priced per barrel, while gold is measured per troy ounce. When trading CFDs, traders focus on price movements rather than units and currency conversions, although it remains crucial to understand the contract value for each commodity.
Commodity spreads—the difference between buy and sell prices—fluctuate throughout the trading day based on market conditions. Providers may quote minimum spreads, representing the tightest spreads available, or standard spreads, which are more common.
Traders must be aware of the margin requirement and the potential for losses exceeding their initial investment due to leverage.
