The Top 10 Most Traded Commodities Worldwide

These dynamics highlight how trading activity often reacts to uncertainty rather than just price direction. As a rule, the top five most traded commodities change frequently, which is due to the seasonal nature of demand for certain goods. However, it is safe to say that the top five spots are occupied by crude oil, gold, natural gas, sugar, and soybeans. Сommodity trading is quite popular among traders with small amounts of capital. However, beginners often choose gold contracts, which are highly volatile. Any commodity asset is a complex instrument, and before trading, it is necessary to understand what makes its price fluctuate.

A barrel of crude oil produced by ExxonMobil and Chevron should be at the same standard, so brokers, exchanges and buyers are indifferent to the source of the commodity. For beginner traders trying to pick the right commodity to trade in, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the market. This article’s six most traded commodities can offer valuable insights into what to expect in future trades.

Futures contracts are popular on major exchanges, while CFDs on commodities are offered by most Forex brokers. Commodity trading plays a crucial role in the world trade system, as there will always be demand for these commodities, and this demand is growing every year. These commodities also represent a significant part of the global manufacturing industry, and the stability of the global economy would be impossible without them. Commodity trading is available both in physical form and in the form of standardized contracts. If a trader is not interested in the delivery of actual goods, they can purchase contracts for difference (CFD) and earn money on price swings.

Also, many commodity deals are done over-the-counter in private agreements. Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) are two major types of crude oil. Despite the potential return of trading oil commodities, you must stay informed of the news on its price determinants.

China, India and Indonesia are the top producers, with China also being the largest consumer, accounting for over half of global coal demand. India is emerging as another key market; rapid industrialization has caused Indian demand to roughly triple since the turn of the millennium. In contrast, developed economies in Europe and North America are increasingly phasing out coal due to climate commitments and the expansion of renewable energy sources.

Common questions around the most traded commodities

As WTI is drilled and stored inland, there are a number of logistical obstacles that limit production. Both types of oil commodities can be traded through contracts for difference (CFD). CFD trading lets you speculate on the oil price without owning an asset. However, while gold prices are relatively stable, they are influenced by many factors such as inflation and deflation. The Fed’s monetary policy, supply and demand, and geopolitics can also impact the price of this precious metal.

The Top 10 Most Traded Commodities Worldwide

The Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (ZCE) also trades white sugar contracts. Notably, sugar futures are often traded in national currencies, and trading in dollars only takes place on the ICE. Beginners should first pay attention to highly liquid commodity assets, which are offered by almost all brokers, and the information about which is publicly available. The ever-growing demand for natural gas worldwide has led to its increasing popularity as an exchange-traded investment vehicle. According to forecasts by the International Gas Union, global natural gas consumption will increase by another 2.3%–2.5% in 2025. The situation with constantly growing demand for gas supplies has been observed for several years in a row, which attracts investors and speculators.

The significance of these most traded goods has even influenced the top 5 most traded currencies in the world. There are rules governing the purity of metal alloys and quality of foodstuffs. Despite there being a seemingly endless list of financial assets available to trade, you may be wondering, out of all these choices, what are the most traded commodities in the world.

On the other hand, WTI crude oil is a lower sulfur type of oil that is cheaper to refine than Brent. Another factor that can influence the price of corn is the number of agricultural subsidies provided by government agencies. In the United States, corn production is heavily subsidized in most traded commodities order to provide a strong incentive for farmers to continue growing this crop. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Commodities are often categorised into energy, metals, and agriculture sectors, each impacted by unique demand and supply dynamics. The most traded commodities for decades have been firmly established as the biggest markets, most liquid and commonly traded worldwide.

• CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
• We recommend that you seek independent financial advice and ensure you fully understand the risks involved before trading.
• This article outlines the world’s top six most traded commodities and how you can trade them.
• This article’s six most traded commodities can offer valuable insights into what to expect in future trades.
• Demand for natural gas should continue to grow going forward as developing economies industrialize and increasingly turn to the fuel as a cleaner alternative to oil or coal.

Corn: Top Traded Grain Commodity

Geopolitical events have significantly influenced commodity trading by affecting the supply chains of key commodities. In 2024, regional variations in commodity trading patterns have underscored opportunities and challenges, with trading volumes shaped by a complex interplay of positive trends and negative disruptions. High trading volumes often reflect optimism and bearish sentiment, driven by economic growth, supply chain shocks, or geopolitical uncertainties. The largest trading volumes for soybean futures are observed on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT).

Accommodating your present and the future requirements. Choose an instrument to explore market depth.

At the same time, the impact of economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and environmental shifts continues to drive significant changes in trading patterns. The evolution of commodity markets will undoubtedly be influenced by technological advancements and policy changes as countries and industries seek more sustainable solutions for future growth. Traders looking to navigate this dynamic landscape must stay informed about emerging trends and risks while capitalising on the opportunities a rapidly changing global economy presents.

• A popular CFD trading platform, markets.com, lets you easily trade gold with various insight-driving tools you can only find on their platform.
• For example, coffee, which is one of the most traded commodities in the world, cannot be simply picked from a plant and put into a cup.
• The most traded commodities for decades have been firmly established as the biggest markets, most liquid and commonly traded worldwide.
• Renewed Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans pose a downside risk to prices.
• Gold is a global commodity equivalent against which all world currencies are valued.

Commodity markets are well known to traders because prices can be highly volatile, often offering opportunities to make money by either buying (going long) or selling (going short). Factors that can affect prices include, for example, market or weather trends, infrastructure, legal regulations, economic performance, stockpile levels, and currency appreciations. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your or your client’s personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Please read our RDN and other legal documents and ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. The key marketplace for trading coffee bean futures is the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in the US, where Arabica contracts are traded.

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As a rule, if global demand for oil is growing and production levels are falling or remaining unchanged, the price of the asset will rise. This is precisely why oil prices react so strongly to the weekly statistics on US oil reserves. Silver is mainly used in industry, in the production of electronics and medical equipment.

Commodity markets underpin the global economy, enabling the trade of raw materials to fuel industries, economies, and everyday life. High trading volumes in these markets are more than just a reflection of demand – they also signal investor sentiment and market conviction, whether optimistic or cautious. Crude oil remains a top-traded commodity because it continues to play a critical role in powering industries, transportation, and households globally. The demand for crude oil is supported by industrial needs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, which have maintained its importance in the global economy. Silver is a precious metal that is most often found in nature as a by-product of the extraction of other metal ores.

Trading

Since it is rarely mined in its pure form, silver is not as popular as gold. Nevertheless, silver is the second most widely traded precious metal after gold. Gas is mainly traded through physical deliveries, but in recent years, standardized gas contracts have become a popular means of investment. Natural gas is a valuable commodity used for electricity generation, household heating, industry, and transportation. A popular CFD trading platform, markets.com, lets you easily trade gold with various insight-driving tools you can only find on their platform. In 2024, geopolitical tensions and economic shifts have been major drivers of trading volumes, reflecting a balance of long and short trades amid market volatility.