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commodity

economics
Also known as: commercial product, merchandise, primary good

Quick Summary

A commodity is a raw or unprocessed material that is traded internationally. These are primary goods, such as crude oil, cotton, grains, and metals, whose value is mainly derived from the costs of extraction or harvesting. Unlike manufactured goods, commodities undergo minimal processing before being traded.12

Commodities are essential to the global economy, serving as the raw ingredients for many products and industries. They are also a significant investment category, traded on markets worldwide. Consumers interact with the commodities market indirectly through the prices of everyday goods.2

Commodities are typically categorized into four main types: energy (like oil and natural gas), metals (precious and industrial), agriculture (crops like corn and wheat), and livestock. The prices of commodities can be highly volatile, influenced by factors such as weather, geopolitical events, and government policies.2

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