Exchange-Traded Commodity (ETC) is an investment instrument that provides exposure to commodity markets, such as precious metals, oil, or energy, without having to physically buy them. ETCs are debt instruments issued by financial institutions and can be secured physically (e.g. gold in vaults) or synthetically (using futures contracts). Their value changes depending on the prices of the commodities on which they are based.

To buy ETCs, you need to open a brokerage account and search for interesting instruments on the stock exchange, just like in the case of stocks or ETFs. Choosing an ETC should take into account, among other things, the type of commodity, the type of security (physical or synthetic), and the risk of the issuer. Beginner investors should also familiarise themselves with transaction costs and risk management methods to better match the investment to their goals.

ETFs are investment funds that cover a variety of assets, while ETCs focus on commodities and are issued as debt instruments. This means that when you invest in an ETF, you are buying shares in the fund, or in the case of an ETC, a bond from the issuer backed by the commodity or futures. ETFs offer greater capital protection, while ETCs are subject to the credit risk of the issuer.

ETCs allow you to be exposed to commodity prices without actually owning them. This means there are no storage or transportation costs associated with investing in physical gold, oil, or other commodities. Additionally, ETCs are more liquid, and can be bought and sold on an exchange like stocks, whereas trading physical commodities is often more restricted.