The Little Book of Commodity Investing

by John Stephenson

The world has changed and so too has investing. The market is shell shocked and yesterday's momentum stocks are today's slow-motion stocks. But in the new reality of low-growth investing, commodities are hot and getting hotter. A rapidly industrializing and urbanizing Asia will be demanding lots more copper, zinc, iron ore, coal, fertilizers, gold and oil to transform their societies. Commodities are it and that's great news for investors who want to profit from the next great bull market in commodities. In fact, commodities may be about the only asset class that is likely to outperform the broad market in the future. Although they are without a doubt important to the global economy, commodities are among the most misunderstood of all asset classes. Stocks, bonds and real estate all have legions of followers and plenty of experts agree on their importance within an investment portfolio, but venture into the world of commodities and you are into an area that's intimidating to the average investor, where suspicions run deep and understanding is limited. As a result, commodities get short-shrift in most investment accounts and investors miss out on some important opportunities. The Little Book of Commodity Investing is an indispensible guide to learning the ins and outs of commodity investing. It's about identifying opportunities to profit from the coming bull market in commodities. It explains the benefits of commodities as part of a well diversified investment portfolio; covers all of the major commodities markets; what makes commodities and the companies that produce them tick; why commodities sometimes zig and then zag; what to buy and when to buy it; and why commodities are the next big thing. Today's world is a very different world-a world where an understanding of commodities is a prerequisite for investment success. And The Little Book of Commodity Investing is the roadmap you need to discover where the opportunities of the future lie, and what to do about it.

Genres: Finance, Economics, Audiobook, Money

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 27, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Alex Gravina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay as a book on commodities, but it's nowhere near as interesting as "The world for sale", which covers similar topics.

[Mr Keogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im not normally the type to review books, however i got a copy of this while studying my degree in Transport Engineering. I found what was sed in the book to be a Macro outlook, on the commodities markets and the economy. I began writing papers on Portfolio management for Energy markets and Agriculture. I have read books that go in depth into financial derivatives. I find how John Stephenson explanes this complicated topic was like how Ben Graham's book The intelegent Investor, was a practical and easy to understand approach to finance and accounting. I have finnished my paper and thesis on 'Commodity valuation and Transportation'. This has helped set me up with the insight and understanding to progress a future career as an Owner Operator, of large articulated Lorrys for long distance transportation of commodities.

[Vikas Suresh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m new to commodities and I’m glad I picked this book to start with. It talks mostly about different types of commodities and their significance. Don’t expect trading strategies.

That said I thoroughly enjoyed the book. As suggested by many a good place to start if you are new to commodities like me.

[GVSB Reddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hugely disappointing read. General gyaan that you can glean from Wikipedia.


Hugely disappointing read. General gyaan that you can glean from Wikipedia. Not worth your while. I had to drag myself to the end.

Clear avoid.

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know next to nothing about commodities (oil, gold, wheat, etc.) then start with this book. If you already kind of know what commodities are and wish to include them in our trading strategies and investment portfolios... look elsewhere.

[Nilesh P S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A primer on indispensable commodities and how emerging economies can significantly increase their demand over the long term. More useful as a guide to commodities and global trade statistics than as an investing book.

[Paul Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Relatively easy read. Not only educational about commodity investing but I enjoyed the history lessons on the commodities themselves.

[Murat Atesok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would have been longer with more details. It is like a short summary of commodities.

[Russ · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book avoids discussing investments in the futures market where an investor can directly invest in commodities. Instead the author focuses on investing in the stocks of companies involved with commodities. He also provides the names of a few ETFs involved in commodity investing. The book is rudimentary and much of its premise is now dated after only three years in print. The author concludes that everyone should invest in commodities because of the growth in China and parts of Asia. As growth has slowed in this region, non-commodity stocks have been much more successful than the stocks that he provides. If you are looking for a rudimentary introduction to various commodities along with a brief history of each, you may find this book helpful. If you are looking for insight into commodity trading, you'll need a different book.

I have found other books in this series much more useful for investing.

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of commodities and why it will be the place to be invested in the coming decade ahead; however, I had hoped that the book would have described how to invest in commodities (futures, in particular) better. Worth reading for novice to mid-level investors.

[David Zerangue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad primer on commodity investing. If people think all these wonderful tricks will be offered to become wealthy, they will be disappointed. If they view it as an introduction, then they will be pleased.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview for giving someone background on commodities, but little information for someone already exposed to the material. It would be helpful to read before an internship or entry-level job.

[Andriy Klyuchevskyy]

Very useful book for commodity investor