Understanding Commodities | PIMCO (2024)

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What is a commodity answer? ›

Commodities are raw materials used to manufacture consumer products. They are inputs in the production of other goods and services, rather than finished goods sold to consumers. In commerce, commodities are basic resources that are interchangeable with other goods of the same type.

Just like equity securities, commodity prices are primarily determined by the forces of supply and demand in the market. 2 For example, if the supply of oil increases, the price of one barrel decreases. Conversely, if demand for oil increases (which often happens during the summer), the price rises.

Both fundamental and technical analysis are used to study commodity markets. Fundamentals, or supply/demand factors, tend to provide underlying reason to the market. Technical analysis is used to provide an indication of price trend, and an estimate of the timing and magnitude of price change.

Commodities are naturally occurring materials or goods that are collected and processed for use in human activity – such as oil, sugar and precious metals. They form the basis of our economy, because the raw materials are needed for the production of food, energy and clothing.