Using these resources will help you keep up to date on major events that move commodities markets. Although not all of these resources deal specifically with commodities, they are indispensable sources of information because they help you get a sense of where the financial markets are heading.
The Wall Street Journal
For daily intakes of financial news, nothing beats
The Wall Street Journal. If you want to be a successful trader, you need to keep abreast of all the information that’s worth knowing.
The Journal does a good job of presenting solid analysis and in-depth coverage of the day’s main events.
Its coverage of the commodities markets in its online edition is actually fairly extensive, with interactive charts and graphs for both cash prices and futures markets. Also, keep an eye out for the section “Heard on the Street”. It includes a wealth of information to help you develop winning strategies.
Bloomberg
The
Bloomberg website at is one of the best sources of raw information and data available to investors. Visiting this site once a day keeps you up on important developments in the markets. The
website’s commodity section contains comprehensive information on all the major commodities, including regular price updates on the futures markets. If you trade futures, this is an indispensable resource.
Nightly Business Report
Tune in every weeknight to your local PBS network to watch NBR’s Paul Kangas, Susie Gharib, and the gang analyze the day’s events. Their special features are insightful, and the market analysts they bring in are usually knowledgeable about the issues at hand. Plus, it’s commercial free! Check your PBS station for local listings.
Morningstar
Morningstar has a plethora of information on the latest mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and other investment vehicles popular with investors. If you want to invest in commodities through a managed fund, make sure you consult the Morningstar website.
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance includes many different sources of information all conveniently located in one site. You have market analysis updated on an hourly basis, regular news alerts, and one of the best chart services on the web. If you’re considering investing in companies that produce commodities, Yahoo! Finance is your one-stop-shop to get information on the stock’s technical performance as well as its fundamental outlook.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is the federal regulatory body responsible for monitoring activities in the commodities markets. Before you do anything related to commodities, make sure you look at the
website. Before you invest, you need to know your rights as an investor and the CFTC is the best source of that information. Also make sure to check out their very comprehensive glossary.
The Energy Information Administration
The
Energy Information Administration (EIA) is part of the U.S. Department of Energy and is the official source of energy statistics for the U.S. government and your number one source for information on energy markets. They cover everything from crude oil production and consumption to gasoline inventories and natural gas transportation activity. If you want to invest in energy, make sure you check out their
Country Analysis Briefs, which give an overview of the global energy supply chain country by country.
Stocks and Commodities Magazine
If your desire is to become a serious commodity futures trader, then
Stocks and Commodities magazine is a must read. Its articles include market-tested trading strategies to help you place and execute trades.
Oil & Gas Journal
The
Oil & Gas Journal is a subscription-based magazine that features in-depth articles about the energy industry. If you want to trade the energy markets, make sure to read O&G.
National Futures Association
The
National Futures Association (NFA) is the industry’s self-regulatory organization. If you are interested in investing in the futures markets, check out the
website before you start trading. Specifically, make sure to check out the database of registered investment advisors if you’re going to go through a manager. NFA has comprehensive information on all managers through its
Background Affiliation Status Information Center (BASIC) service.
