Commodities

Commodities are basic raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold, typically used as inputs in the production of other goods or services. They are standardized and interchangeable with other goods of the same type, which makes them fungible. Commodities are often categorized into two main types: hard commodities, which are natural resources that are mined or extracted, such as oil, gold, and metals; and soft commodities, which are agricultural products or livestock, such as wheat, coffee, corn, and cattle. The trading of commodities occurs on specialized exchanges, and their prices are determined by supply and demand dynamics in the market. Commodities are important in the global economy as they are essential for manufacturing, energy production, and food supply. They can also serve as investment vehicles for traders and investors looking to benefit from price fluctuations.