BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Sharvaya Metals Ltd IPO
Apply for the Sharvaya Metals Ltd IPO through UPI in Just minutes
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

What Are Hard Commodities?

Hard commodities are naturally occurring substances that are mined or dug out from the ground. These commodities consist mainly of metals such as gold, silver, and copper, and energy sources such as crude oil and natural gas. Hard commodities are not perishable and have extensive applications in industrial use, infrastructure construction, and manufacturing. Hence, they are part and parcel of economic activity.

Hard commodities in capital markets are traded through derivative vehicles of options and futures. Major trade in the contracts is triggered by exchanges like the MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) of India through an orderly exchange platform of risk management and price discovery. Prices go up due to the shortage of supply combined with the world's demand for commodities, freeing prices to roam about and leading traders to compete to take positions. Their intimate connection to industrial production and economic cycles places these commodities at the forefront of international investment and trade decision-making as a leading indicator, setting them apart from agricultural or soft commodities.

Characteristics of Hard Commodities

  • Non-perishable Nature

    Hard commodities like metals and energy products don't perish over time. They are non-perishable in nature and can be warehoused for a long period of time without the loss of value, and that's why they are apt for long-term trade.

  • Traded on Global Platforms

    These commodities form a segment of international commerce and tend to be quoted relative to international standards. Their prices are affected by global demand and supply situation, as well as macroeconomic factors.

  • Industrial Relevance

    Hard commodities are critical raw materials for various industries. Metals are used extensively in construction and electronics, whereas energy resources fuel industries and transportation systems.

  • High Price Volatility

    The hard commodity prices can be extremely volatile, influenced by geopolitical tensions, inflation, currency movements, and supply chain disruptions. This volatility makes them a target for active market participants.

  • Standardized Derivatives Trading

    They are traded through derivatives contracts such as futures and options, largely on regulated exchanges like MCX. They aid in hedging price risks and finding fair market value.

  • Complex Storage and Logistics

    Physical storage and niche logistics are necessary, particularly for energy commodities, because of their physicality and handling needs.

  • Capital-Intensive Nature

    Hard commodity extraction and processing involve large amounts of capital investment, which can determine production volumes and availability of supplies.

Hard vs. Soft Commodities: Key Differences

Given below is a comparison table that will aid you in understanding the differences between hard and soft commodities:

Feature

Hard Commodities

Soft Commodities

Source

Hard commodities like minerals or fossil fuels are extracted or mined from natural reserves.

Soft commodities are grown or cultivated, typically in agricultural settings.

Examples

Common examples include gold, crude oil, natural gas, and copper.

Examples include agricultural products like wheat, coffee, sugar, and cotton.

Shelf Life

These commodities have a long shelf life and do not perish over time.

Soft commodities are perishable and have a limited storage period due to spoilage.

Dependency

Their availability is affected by global supply chains, mining output, and extraction.

Production is largely dependent on seasonal cycles, climate conditions, and rainfall.

Trading Platform

Traded on platforms like MCX and other international exchanges through derivatives.

Also traded on exchanges, but often involve different market dynamics and pricing factors.

Storage Requirements

Storage and logistics are complex and expensive, especially for energy-based commodities.

Storage is generally less intensive, depending on the type and perishability of crops.

Factors Influencing Hard Commodity Prices

Several elements affect the pricing of hard commodities in the global and Indian markets:

  • Geopolitical Events

    Political instability, wars, sanctions, and local conflicts can interfere with the production or transportation of these commodities. Such interferences usually result in supply shortages, increasing prices in both domestic and international markets.

  • Currency Fluctuations

    Hard commodities tend to be priced in US dollars. Consequently, any exchange rate fluctuation, particularly depreciation of the local currency, can raise the price of imports and influence domestic prices.

  • Demand and Supply Dynamics

    Prices are highly dependent on changes in consumption and levels of production. An increase in industrial demand or a decline in output as a result of mining limitations or natural disasters can bring about dramatic price movements.

  • Government Regulations and Policies

    Policies involving import/export controls, taxation, and release of strategic reserves can have an impact on the supply chain and price of hard commodities within a nation.

  • Inflationary Pressure

    In times of inflation, investors can use commodities as a hedge, driving up demand and prices. Hard commodities tend to react to general economic inflationary trends.

  • Technological Advancements

    Technological advancements in mining, extraction, or renewable energy can decrease dependence on specific resources or boost supply, affecting prices in turn.

  • Global Economic Activity

    Industrial production and international trade volumes are significant determinants of demand, which has a direct impact on commodity pricing.

Conclusion

Hard commodities are key in international as well as national trade because they have industrial use and hold enduring value. The commodities, ranging from metals to energy products, are traded through derivatives on markets such as MCX, giving a chance to discover prices as well as to manage risk. Prices of these forms of commodities are influenced by various elements such as economic activity, geopolitical trends, and shifts in demand and supply. For the players in the commodities market, it is necessary to have a clear picture of how these factors influence pricing and trade behaviour. This information facilitates making informed decisions and managing the intricacies of resource-based trading successfully.

Share this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon
investment-card-icon

Samajwadi Pension Yojana: Benefits, Eligibility & Process

Samajwadi Pension Yojana offers financial aid to poor families. Learn about its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for the scheme.

investment-card-icon

How Do Banks Make Money: Revenue Sources Explained

How do banks make money? Learn how banks earn through interest rates, service charges, investments, and other financial operations that drive profits.

investment-card-icon

Lot Size For Commodity F&O Contracts in India Explained

Learn how lot sizes work in commodity futures and options contracts. Understand margin impact, trading quantity, and key lot size examples in this guide.

investment-card-icon

Prompt Corrective Action Framework: RBI Norms for Banks

Prompt Corrective Action Framework is RBI’s tool to restore weak banks' health. Know when it applies and what restrictions are imposed under it.

investment-card-icon

VPA in UPI – Working, Benefits & How to Send Money

Know what a VPA is in UPI, how it works, and how to send or receive money securely using your virtual payment address linked with your bank account.

investment-card-icon

Gold vs Silver Investment: Comparison for Your Portfolio

Compare gold and silver as investment options by evaluating risk, returns, liquidity, and long-term performance to align with your personal financial goals.

investment-card-icon

What is Pledge Margin and How to Use it for MTF?

Learn how to use Pledge Margin on Bajaj Broking to trade without liquidating your holdings. Boost your buying power using stocks as collateral. Step-by-step guide inside.

investment-card-icon

What is Commodity Arbitrage and How Does it Work

Learn about commodity arbitrage - a strategy used in financial markets to profit from commodity price differences. Discover how it works and get started with it.

investment-card-icon

What is Percentage Gain and How is it Calculated.

Percentage gain helps you understand how much your investment has increased in value, with respect to the original value.

investment-card-icon

What is Share Capital- Types, Working & Examples

Share capital is the amount raised by a company through issuing shares to investors. Know its types, importance, and how it impacts business growth and funding.

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.4 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|