The Economist Guide to Commodities: Producers, players and prices; markets, consumers and trends

by Caroline Bain

A gold mine of information, insights and powerful tools to help you win big in today's commodities markets The recent fortunes made by investors in rare earth metals and gold are just two shining examples of what an extremely profitable investment class commodities can be. But with radical swings in price volatility (think oil) and the vagaries of global geopolitics, commodities also can be one of the trickiest arenas in which to play. Written by the Senior Commodities Editor for The Economist Intelligence Unit , this book provides you with a comprehensive, highly practical look at the commodities markets. In addition to covering major trends and key changes in the markets, both past and present, it supplies you with proven tools for analyzing and taking full advantage of this ever-changing asset class.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Steve Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thoroughly researched. Clearly lays out the financial sector as it relates to trading commodities as well as their general uses and factors affecting trade and value. Unfortunately I read this ten years after the numbers were relevant so it acts as more of a case study than future predictor at this point. Worth a read if you are interested in the commodities market or if you want clif notes overviews of what various commodities are used for.

[Tadiwanashe Dzuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides a thorough breakdown of how commodity markets work, the financial instruments associated with commodities, the role of China’s development on commodity prices - and a perspective on the potential outlook of commodity markets (+prices) heading into the next decade.

As expected the book is rather dense, but the author does a good job of getting straight to the point with each chapter.

Recommended guide for anyone looking to begin their education on this subject!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well structured overview on the main commodities, their markets and the underlying fundamentals. Personally found it of high interest to expand my knowledge beyond the commodities I work with.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introductory book to commodities, as other reviewers have said it's a bit out of date but it was published in 2013. Structured the same between chapters - could go in to productions methods a bit more to further flesh out what derives price for some of the commodities eg influence of natural gas price and coal price on iron ore.

[Susetyo Priyojati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit out of date but a good introduction to various commodities (metals, fuels, agricultural products). I do wonder why palm oil was not included.