Trading Commodities, Commodity Options and Currencies (Collection)

Introduction. The Rise and Fall of Commodities

It was nothing less than breathtaking to witness the grain complex shatter all-time high price records and continue to climb during the 2007/2008 rally. However, by late 2008 the party had ended. Many retail traders and fund managers watched in horror as the grains made their way relentlessly lower. The selling pressure and losses in the commodity markets was so profound that hedge fund managers experienced unprecedented numbers of redemption requests, which added fuel to the already raging fire.

Ironically, the same asset class that investors swarmed to for “diversification” from stocks later played a role in the demise of equities. As investors pulled money from hedge funds, margin issues and ...