Learn Commodities with CFI

Topic Overview

Commodities are another class of assets just like stocks or bonds and physical commodities, as well as commodity derivatives can be actively bought and sold. Therefore, commodities trading is an important component of capital markets and allows producers and consumers of commodities to hedge their exposures efficiently. Commodities trading also allows for market participants to invest and speculate on commodity prices, while providing diversification beyond traditional securities. Lastly, spread trading in commodities allows sophisticated investors to take advantage of mispricing opportunities for near riskless profits so understanding them is essential to a career in capital markets. Read more
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Find the right Commodities course

With a focus on finance professionals, CFI offers commodities courses that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of capital markets and securities. These courses may be beneficial for students on a path to asset management, treasury, sales and trading, and other capital markets careers that include commodities. Courses may be used for the Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA)® certification.

Top Commodities Courses

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Discover Free Commodities Resources

Explore all of CFI's Commodities learning and development resources.

Quote-Driven Market

A secondary market trading structure where investors interact with dealers
commodities fixed-income capital-markets articles

Reverse Cash and Carry Arbitrage

A market-neutral strategy that seeks to take advantage of market inefficiencies between a commodity's spot price and its future price
commodities derivatives capital-markets articles

On-Balance Volume Indicator (OBV)

A technical indicator of momentum that utilizes the positive or negative flow of the volume of trading
commodities equities capital-markets articles

Quoted Price

The most recent – or last – price at which a financial asset such as stock, bond or commodity, has traded
commodities derivatives equities fixed-income capital-markets articles

Hard Assets

Physical or tangible assets that hold value and are normally held for the long term
commercial-lending commercial-real-estate commodities articles

Safe Haven

An investment that is anticipated to maintain or increase in value during times of economic downturn
commodities risk-management capital-markets articles

Forward Points

Basis points that are added or subtracted to the spot rate, which is the market price quote of a commodity
commodities derivatives foreign-exchange articles

Spot Market

A financial market where financial instruments and commodities are traded for instantaneous delivery
commodities foreign-exchange wealth-management capital-markets articles

Horizontal Well

A drilling technique that uses an inclination of greater than 80 degrees to a vertical wellbore
economics valuation commodities articles

Quality of Security

Factors to consider when picking stocks to invest in
commodities equities fixed-income wealth-management capital-markets articles

Downstream Operations

The final processes in the production and sale of goods
economics valuation commodities articles

Measuring Natural Gas (MCF)

An acronym equivalent to one thousand cubic feet
accounting valuation commodities articles

Why Learn Commodities with CFI?

As a leading provider of certification programs and courses focused on finance, CFI gives you the tools you need for a future in finance. All programs are designed with the help of professional Wall Street trainers with over 20 years of experience preparing new hires for their roles in global investment banks.

Using a combination of theory and application, our courses maximize learning and retention to ensure you grasp the concepts necessary for your future career. All programs are online, flexible, and self-paced, so you can work at any time, from anywhere.

Over 75% of CFI learners report improved productivity or competency within weeks.

With our Commodities course, you can learn:

What are the various classes of commodities and their key features
What makes commodities tradeable
How commodities are traded in the capital markets using futures and options
What are the key drivers of commodities prices
Understand commodity spreads and common spread trading strategies
Who trades commodities and why?

Who should take these courses?

Our commodities courses are ideal for students and finance professionals interested in commodities trading strategies and derivatives. Courses provide a comprehensive overview of commodities trading and investing to prepare you for a future career in investment banking, sales and trading, treasury, or other areas of finance.

Investment professionals

Management consultants

Financial analysts

Registered Provider: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

All courses are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), CPA Institutions in Canada, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) in the US. Most courses qualify for verified CPE credits for CPA charter holders.

Courses include video lessons, quizzes, and final assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.
What are commodities?

Commodities are basic goods or raw materials used in commerce that can be bought, sold, or traded on markets. They include categories like energy, metals, and agricultural products, and their prices are influenced by global supply and demand. With an understanding of how commodities work, professionals can analyze market trends and make informed financial decisions.

What does a commodity trader do?

A commodity trader buys and sells physical goods or contracts based on commodities to profit from price changes. These professionals analyze market data, manage risk, and execute trades in markets such as energy, metals, and agriculture. Their activities play a key role in global supply chains and financial markets.

How long does it take to learn commodities online?

Learning commodities online can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your background, study pace, and how deeply you want to explore the subject. Most people begin understanding key ideas like supply and demand drivers, pricing mechanisms, and trading strategies within the first few weeks of consistent study.

With CFI’s flexible, self-paced courses, you can move from foundational concepts to real-world application efficiently, building confidence through guided exercises and interactive lessons.

How does commodities training support career growth?

Commodities training strengthens your understanding of global markets, risk management, and pricing strategies—skills valued across finance, banking, and investment roles. 

Completing specialized training with CFI can help you stand out to employers, boost your earning potential, and prepare you for roles in trading, research, or portfolio management.

Can beginners start with CFI’s commodities courses?

Yes, CFI’s commodities courses are designed to support all learners, including beginners. The lessons start with foundational concepts before advancing to market analysis, pricing models, and trading strategies. Each course is self-paced and guided by industry experts, making it easy to build confidence and practical skills.

What skills do you learn in commodities training with CFI?

In CFI’s commodities training, you learn market analysis, price forecasting, hedging, and risk management. You also develop data-driven decision-making skills using real-world financial models and examples. These practical abilities help you apply insights directly to roles in trading, finance, or investment analysis.

Is a commodities certification worth it?

Yes, a commodities certification can be a powerful way to validate your expertise and advance your career in finance, trading, or wealth management. It signals to employers that you understand market dynamics, risk management, and portfolio diversification—skills essential for today’s investment roles. 

CFI’s programs, such as the Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA®), provide the structure and credibility needed to turn that knowledge into career-ready skills recognized around the world.

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.
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