Metals Futures

In the modern day world of technology, metals have never been more important for society to continue moving forward and maintain the infrastructure already in place. Though the mining and processing of metals has matured with the cultures that rely on them, man’s reverence and dependence on metals is anything but new. Historically, metals have always been seen as an investment regardless of how technology changes and demand for these highly conductive products grow. Used to portray wealth and power through the ages, metals drive markets and define cultures.

Metals are usually classified as either precious or non-precious, depending on their rarity, worth and usage. Precious metals are rare and can be used in currencies or for industrial needs. The most common metals markets are gold, silver, platinum, palladium, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin and zinc which can be traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and the London Metal Exchange (LME). These are not the only exchanges that trade metals, gold is especially popular, but they are the most commonly used for futures and options.

Popular Metal Futures

Gold Futures

Arguably the most revered metal and volatile of all the metals contracts, gold has a long history of affecting cultures even before the written word. With the evolution of technology to incorporate precious metals and a long standing history of representing affluence, gold is a heavy hitter that moves other markets when it moves.

Silver Futures

Like gold, silver is regarded as both ornamental and practical. Used for jewelry and tableware as well as industrial uses such as photographic emulsions, electronic circuits, and batteries, silver remains one of the most traded metals on the market.

Copper Futures

Although copper is a non-precious metal, it is widely used to conduct electricity and because of this our electrical and communication infrastructure is completely dependent on this malleable metal. It is also used to produce brass and bronze. At our current state of technology, copper has consistent demand.

Platinum Futures

Platinum is a very rare precious metal and is often considered to be more valuable than gold. In fact, most experts believe that platinum is 15-20% rarer than gold. Almost all of the world’s supply of platinum comes from The Republic of South Africa, Canada, Russia, and the U.S. The lion’s share of the world’s platinum consumption is from the jewelry field, with the automotive industry coming in second place. Currently, the U.S. is the world’s largest importer of platinum.

Palladium Futures

Much like other futures contracts, palladium futures are a standardized exchange traded contract in which buyers agree to accept delivery of a previously determined quantity upon contract expiration. Knowns as the jack of all trades, Palladium is often recognized as the most versatile of all metals traded on the CME. Palladium is used in everything from civil engineering to dentistry.