Trading Commodities For the Long-Term
An essential part of becoming an investor in the commodities markets is being aware of your weaknesses in trading.
Leaving your emotions out of the decision to become a trader can make your limitations clear.
Do you not know how to use technical or fundamental analysis in the markets? Do you feel you're at a disadvantage because of your inexperience? Instead of attempting to become a day-trader when you are new to the market, look at futures trading as a long-term investment.
Short-term trading is a difficult task when you don't have significant experience in commodities.
Even if you know how to technically and fundamentally analyze the market, this is more difficult to accomplish in the short-term.
Trying to predict where market prices will be in an hour, a day, or even a week can be a daunting task.
In the short-term, it is difficult to spot trends in the markets and establish market entry and exit targets.
Fundamentals are difficult to apply in short-term trading, where prices have historically been more volatile than over the long-term.
Relatively insignificant news reports have caused dramatic short-term price swings in the past.
When holding a long-term position, it is probable to see short-term price swings corrected and reflecting the fundamentals.
Investing in the long-term makes better use of technical indicators, stops in order to control losses, and the use of historic data.
There is a substantial risk of loss involved in futures trading and is not suitable for all investors.