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Educational Articles

Knowledge Base

Reading time • 3 minute(s)

How to Invest in Gold - How to buy digital gold with XTB

Gold has been one of the hottest trends of the year so far. It has surged, alongside silver, although there are some concerns that the rally has gone too far too fast, and as we move through October there have been some pockets of volatility. Gold has surged past $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history, marking a remarkable 50% gain year-to-date, its strongest performance since 1979. The rally accelerated in August following the Federal Reserve’s dovish policy shift and new U.S. trade tariffs, with the ongoing government shutdown further intensifying market momentum.

Reading time • 15 minute(s)

The Israel-Iran conflict explained and its effect on the global markets

In the early hours of June 13 the long-simmering tension between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically, triggering not only a military standoff but also a wave of volatility across global financial markets.

Reading time • 26 minute(s)

Gold Trading: A Beginner's Guide

Cultural backgrounds recognise gold as a safe investment by many people around the world – even those who do not deal with the financial markets in terms of supply and demand for gold or price movements. Gold historically is seen as an asset that maintains its value despite economic uncertainty or price fluctuations due to its unique properties. Investing in gold has always been an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios, hedge against inflation, or simply enjoy the beauty, value of gold and prestige of owning gold as a physical commodity. Today, technological advances have created various ways and gold options to invest in the precious metal - even from the palm of your hand. In this article you will learn how to buy and trade gold, how to trade gold CFDs and what is the best time to choose to start trading gold.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

The Outlook for Commodities in the Second Half of 2024

The commodity market has had a mixed year. After rallying strongly in the first few months of the year, as the months have progressed commodities and some raw materials have given back most of these gains. For example, Brent crude oil is higher by just under 3% YTD, however, it is down nearly 10% in the last three months. The price of copper reached a record high close to $11,000 per tonne in mid-May, however, it is now trading at just over $9,000 per tonne. The weakness across the commodity landscape is down to various factors including macroeconomic fundamentals as well as supply and demand factors.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

Understanding Contango and Backwardation: Key Concepts in Commodity Futures Markets

In the world of commodity trading, the terms "contango" and "backwardation" are of paramount importance. These two market conditions describe the relationship between spot prices and futures prices, and they can have a profound impact on the profitability of trading strategies and investment vehicles tied to commodity futures. Understanding these market conditions is crucial for commodity traders, investors in futures-based products (like exchange-traded funds), and anyone involved in the physical trading or storage of commodities. Contango can erode the returns of long futures positions due to the need to continually roll contracts at higher prices, while backwardation can provide a tailwind for these investments.

Reading time • 4 minute(s)

Cocoa could become a new luxury good - What’s driving the price surge?

Cocoa prices have seen a pre-Easter rally driven by fears of supply decline! Last week, cocoa gained 5.4%, reaching new record levels. At present, cocoa prices have skyrocketed, reaching a record high of over $10,000 per tonne. This surge is likely to cause chocolate prices to increase, including Easter eggs next year. Consumers with a sweet tooth can expect to feel the impact at the checkout.

Reading time • 9 minute(s)

Brent Crude Oil: The mesmerising world of this black gold bonanza!

In the world of commodities, there's one slick superstar that's been quietly dominating the stage for decades. It's not a celebrity you'd recognise on the red carpet, nor does it have a fan club on Instagram. Yet, it's the lifeblood of the modern world, powering our vehicles, heating our homes, and even influencing the price of that delightful avocado toast you had for brunch. Meet Brent Crude Oil - the unsung hero of slippery slopes and the diva of drilling. Brent Crude has a fascinating story that's as wild as an oil-soaked roller coaster. Before we dive into everything there is to know about Brent Crude oil it is important to note that oil prices have gone up by roughly 2% amid Middle East Tension and will continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks.

Reading time • 16 minute(s)

Commodities Trading - How to Invest in Commodities?

Commodities for centuries have been one of the most popular trading assets in the world. Read this article to know how to invest in commodities.

Reading time • 14 minute(s)

Gas Trading - How to Invest in Natural Gas

The ecological alternative fossil fuel is back in favour of investors and you can start trading Natural Gas now! Get interested in the growing NATGAS market and learn more about popular ways of investing in commodities.

Reading time • 8 minute(s)

Oil Trading – How to Invest in Oil

Crude Oil is recognised as the No.1 commodity in the world. In this article you will learn how to trade crude oil via CFDs.

Reading time • 11 minute(s)

Silver Trading - How to Start Silver Trading Online

Thousands of years of history, hundreds of practical applications in the industry and unique investment value. Find the details of trading and silver investments in this short and comprehensive article.

Reading time • 25 minute(s)

Uranium Trading - How to Invest in Uranium?

"Zero carbon footprint" policies, the energy crisis, and the shift away from "dirty energy" have contributed to a renewed interest in super-efficient nuclear power.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

Coffee Trading - Investing in Coffee CFDs

Coffee is one of the most popular raw materials traded by investors. What is and why is it worth investing in coffee CFD? The answers to these and other questions can be found in this article.

Reading time • 14 minute(s)

Emissions Trading - How to Invest in Carbon CO2?

Contracts on CO2 emissions have been traded for a long time, but nobody expected such an increase in popularity among retail investors. Meanwhile, the energy crisis gives hope for the continuation of this trend.

Reading time • 7 minute(s)

How to Take Advantage from Falling Prices

Is it possible to earn money when the markets are falling? Learn how to make money on betting against the market in this article.

Reading time • 7 minute(s)

Learn how to trade the unique and exciting asset class of commodities and what drives their price behaviours. Find out why fundamental factors are crucial for commodities, could influence commodities prices, and more.

Reading time • 3 minute(s)

Commodities (definitions)

Learn all the important definitions you need to understand to enter the world of commodity trading in this article.

Reading time • 4 minute(s)

The Price of our Morning Coffee Could Rise by 30%

A new report from XTB explores the current coffee market and the four key factors that could lead to future price rises. The price of coffee is currently trading at its highest level in almost 10 years. The average price of an Americano, cappuccino, and latte have all increased by over 10% since January 2019, and over 15% since February 2017.

Reading time • 4 minute(s)

Cattle Trading - How to buy and invest in cattle?

Live cattle are adult cattle that weigh between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds that are required for slaughter, but this may vary by breed. The beef industry is a rapidly growing sector worth trillions of dollars with a global reach. The breeding and processing of beef provides jobs for millions of people around the world, including suppliers, distributors and retailers. Due to the growing number of the world's population and the general increase in wealth of developing countries' populations, the demand for beef may increase in the future. However, one needs to remember that investing in this sector is associated with high risk as several factors, including weather and disease, can lead to an increase or decrease of supply and demand for cattle.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

Lean Hogs Trading - How to Buy and Invest in Lean Hogs

Lean Hogs are a type of financial instrument which are often used to speculate or hedge the price of pork and are directly linked to the complex global pork industry. Lean hogs refer to pigs that have reached 120 kg, which is the minimum weight to slaughter. This process usually takes around 6 months. Pork is the most popular among animal meats in the world and its annual consumption exceeds 100 million metric tons, therefore, a growing number of investors are using lean hogs in order to gain exposure in the commodity sector and diversify their portfolios. Now XTB also provides access to this market.

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